Through the Wagging Tails and Tears: The Highs and Lows of Pet Sitting

When people hear I’m a pet sitter, the first thing they imagine is days full of puppy kisses, wagging tails, and cozy cat snuggles. And while I’m lucky enough to experience all of that, the truth is, this work is a mix of incredible highs and some very real lows.

One of my favorite highs comes in the form of small, everyday victories. Like the shy cat who finally decides I’m safe enough to curl up on my lap after days of watching me from across the room. Or the dog who greets me at the door with so much enthusiasm that I wonder if his tail might actually take flight. These little moments of trust and joy remind me exactly why I love what I do.

But then there are the tougher days. The vendor event I spent weeks preparing for, only to arrive and find just a handful of people wandering through. The reactive dog who suddenly needs me to step in calmly and confidently when emotions are high. And the hardest moments of all—the days when a beloved client’s pet passes away, and I share in the family’s heartbreak. Those are the lows that stick with you.

And yet, in the middle of those ups and downs, there are always reminders of why this work matters. Like the photo I once received from a client of their pup sitting patiently at the door hours before I was even scheduled to arrive—just waiting for me. That simple picture spoke volumes. To that dog, I wasn’t just a sitter—I was someone they trusted, someone who made their world feel safe and happy.

Pet sitting isn’t always easy. It’s unpredictable, emotional, and sometimes exhausting. But it’s also rewarding in ways few jobs can be. Because at the end of the day, the love, loyalty, and laughter these pets bring far outweigh the challenges. And to me, that balance—the highs and the lows—is what makes this work so meaningful.