Matching Your Experience To Each Sit

House sitting offers unique opportunities to explore new places, interact with a menagerie of pets, and help homeowners enjoy their time away with peace of mind. However, it is advised that New Zealand house sitters only apply for sits that align with their skills and experience. We all know the saying ‘don’t run before you can walk’ and it also applies to house sitting. Taking on assignments beyond one’s capabilities could lead to stressful situations, potential harm to animals, and damaged trust between sitters and homeowners.

The Importance Of Relevant Experience

Every house sit is different. While some may only involve caring for a cat and watering plants, others might require managing livestock, administering medication to pets, or handling large and powerful animals like horses, or dogs with behavioural challenges. Without the proper experience, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming or even potentially dangerous.

For example, inexperienced individuals should avoid “horse-sitting” assignments unless they have extensively worked with equines. Horses are large, sensitive animals that require knowledgeable handling. A simple misunderstanding or mishandling can lead to injury for both the horse and the sitter.

Similarly, looking after high-energy or strong-willed dogs, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, or Mastiffs, requires confidence and skill. Without proper experience, Kiwi house sitters might struggle to control the dog on walks, leading to unsafe situations and a potential run-in with the local vet, council, or even cops.

Other Situations To Consider

Rural Properties

NZ house sitters who primarily work in towns or cities may find themselves a bit out of their depth on rural properties if they’re unfamiliar with their unique challenges. Tasks such as managing rainwater tanks during dry summers, fixing faults in electric fencing, and maintaining large outdoor areas require practical knowledge that cannot be learnt from a book or the odd weekend at the bach.

Farm Sits

These involve caring for livestock such as cows, sheep, or goats. Farm sits can also include tasks like milking, feeding out supplement, driving tractors, break feeding (aka strip grazing), and sometimes assisting with births. Lack of experience in these areas could result in animal welfare issues or costly mistakes for the farmer (e.g. penicillin milk going into the milk silo, busted front-end loader on the tractor), particularly if the farm sit is sole charge.

Exotic Pets

Reptiles, birds, and other exotic pets often have specific dietary and environmental needs that must be met precisely to avoid health problems.

Pets With Special Needs

Elderly pets or those with medical conditions may require daily medication or special care routines that inexperienced sitters might find difficult to manage.

Honesty Is Key

House sitters in NZ must be honest with themselves and homeowners when considering a sit. Overestimating one’s abilities can lead to mistakes that may impact the well-being of the animals and the sitter’s reputation within the house sitting community.

Before applying, sitters should assess the responsibilities involved and ask themselves whether they have the necessary skills, confidence, and physical capability to handle the tasks. If not, it’s best to pass on the opportunity or seek training and experience to build the required skills.

Open communication with homeowners is essential. If a sitter has limited experience but is confident they can handle the sit with guidance, they should discuss this openly with the homeowner. Honesty builds trust and ensures both parties feel comfortable with the arrangement.

Gaining Experience The Right Way

For house sitters who are looking to expand their scope of experience, gaining skills under seasoned supervision is the best approach. For example:

Learning To Handle Horses

Volunteer at a local stable or take lessons from an experienced instructor. Tasks such as feeding, grooming, and leading horses can provide foundational skills needed for equine care.

Caring For Farm Animals

Help out on a local farm to understand daily routines and challenges. Gaining experience with feeding schedules, basic veterinary care, and enclosure maintenance is invaluable for farm-sitting assignments.

Maintaining Rural Properties

Learn essential property maintenance skills, such as managing rainwater tanks, fixing electric fencing, and using farm equipment. Hands-on experience with these tasks ensures that sitters can handle rural responsibilities confidently.

Handling Strong-Willed Dogs

Work with dog trainers or shelters to gain experience managing large or high-energy dogs. Learning leash control, behavior correction techniques, and proper exercise routines is crucial when handling strong-willed breeds. Yes, the home owners will show you how to interact and handle their canines, but it can be a different story once the owners have left for their holiday and it’s just you and the dog(s). If they’re not going to co-operate That’s why it’s adivsed to get some pointers from seasoned dog trainers.

Managing Special Needs Pets

Gain hands-on experience with elderly or ill pets by volunteering at an animal shelter or fostering pets with medical needs. Learning to administer medication and recognize signs of distress ensures proper care for vulnerable animals.

This proactive approach not only ensures the well-being of animals during future sits but also enhances a sitter’s profile, making them more appealing to homeowners.

Final Words

House sitting in New Zealand is a rewarding experience, but it comes with significant responsibilities. Sitters must prioritise the well-being of the animals and properties they are entrusted with. By only applying for sits that match their skills and experience and by seeking proper training to expand their capabilities—house sitters can ensure positive outcomes for both themselves and the homeowners who rely on their care.