I’m new to this and looking for all the advice that’s out there! A keen traveller, recently widowed and avid animal lover, I’m looking for tips on writing a good profile to get myself started.
I don’t want to waffle on about stuff that really isn’t relevant and I guess the most important stuff is at the top but what else will help me get my first sit? TIA
Welcome to the forum @Mizztraveller !
You can find some info here in this blogpost
and here
Important to new sitters is to get reviews from sits, as this is important to get sits. Not as impossible as it seems. See if you can get some short local sits to start. A night, a weekend etc. For local sits you might be avle to offer to meet the petparent before the sit, which can help you when you don’t have reviews, and it is an advantage also to the host as can meet the pets and show the routine pre-sit. Getting some experience will also teach you what you need to look for and ask for so that you get sits that match your preferences and criteria. This is a mutual agreement, after all.
Forum is a great place to learn and ask for help, so - welcome!
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Welcome and we hope you have a great time on all the wonderful adventures you will have. Once you have read and actioned the above helpful hints and tips link your profile and we can take a look at it and see if we think there is anything else we can add or just start applying for sits and see how you go. Coming up to Christmas period there will be plenty to apply for just don’t set your heart on one apply for a few and then commit to the first one to get back to you.
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Hi Neil and Fiona
Thanks for all your tips. I’ve formulated a profile which I’d be grateful if you would critique for me:
I love animals, always have. I also love travelling and have seen quite a bit of the world but still have urges to find new places. Places with lots of animals whether that’s domestic or wild. I’ve got thousands of holiday photos but to be fair, not many with me in but endless ones of animals!
When my children were at home we always had pets: rabbits, guinea pigs, but mainly cats. When they left home we travelled more so didn’t get replace them but I have looked after my children’s cats when they’ve been on holiday, a neighbour’s cat and am a registered dog walker at my local kennels.
So, I’m 67 years old, proudly Welsh, though somewhat ashamed that I don’t speak the language! I live in a 10th floor flat in Cardiff overlooking the river Ely though unfortunately after the Grenfell disaster it was found that the flats in my development are also a fire risk so, after 7 years of living in what can only be described as a tinderbox, we will shortly be getting the remediation done which will involve scaffolding and being wrapped in plastic for a year (best case scenario). This is one of the reasons, though certainly not the only one, why it’s time for me to be a house/pet sitter.
I am a retired administrator/office manager. I worked in the third sector firstly for a housing charity and then with a drug/alcohol treatment centre.
Sadly I lost my husband and lifelong travelling companion in January 2024 so it’s just me now, out there trying to make the best of a life on my own.
I’m a very clean person, actually don’t find housework a chore and though it’s been a few years since I’ve had a garden, I’ve got a fairly good understanding of how to care for plants and am happy to do watering, dead-heading, a little weeding, etc. A tidy house, tidy garden gives me a great sense of satisfaction!
Hobbies – not a huge amount to be honest. I do a lot of reading, love doing puzzles and enjoy a bit of cooking. I’ve spent quite a lot of time recently researching my family history but am still looking for that royalty which I know must be there … somewhere!
I love nature and green spaces and enjoy a nice walk. My favourite thing is going to be caring for your pet and as a retiree I have all day to pander to their needs!
I also put a post on a Facebook group asking for comments and someone amended it to look like this:
Lynne’s Pet Sitting Adventures
Hi there!
I’m Lynne, a passionate animal lover with a knack for adventure. Whether I’m exploring exotic destinations or caring for furry friends, my heart is always full.
Why choose me as your pet sitter?
* Dedicated Animal Care: With years of experience and a deep love for animals, I’m committed to providing your pet with the best possible care.
* Flexible and Reliable: As a retired administrator, I have a flexible schedule and can accommodate your pet’s needs, ensuring they’re always comfortable and happy.
* Experienced House Sitter: I’m skilled in maintaining a clean and tidy home, and I’m happy to handle light gardening tasks as well.
* Passionate Traveler: While I love my adventures, I also find great joy in caring for animals. Let me be your pet’s trusted companion while you’re away.
A bit about me:
* Retired Administrator: With a background in administration, I’m organized and detail-oriented.
* Nature Enthusiast: I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring nature’s beauty.
* Experienced Traveler: I’ve had the opportunity to visit many places around the world, and I’m always eager to discover new adventures.
Let’s chat!
If you’re looking for a reliable and caring pet sitter, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s discuss your pet’s needs and see if we’re a good match.
Contact me if we are a good fit.
I think I prefer the other person’s version but would be interested to know what you think.
I lost my husband last Christmas so I’m keen to get away from home and all the bad memories this Christmas so if I could get my first petsitting job that would be of so much value to me.
Best regards
Lynne
@Mizztraveller hi and welcome to THS. I had a look at your profile and have amended it slightly. Grenfell will not mean something to all the homeowners, so I would take that out. See what you think of what I’ve written. I will message (well, try to) with my profile link so you can have a look at that.
I love animals, always have. I also love travelling and have seen quite a bit of the world but still have urges to find new places. Places with lots of animals whether that’s domestic or wild.
When my children were at home we always had pets: rabbits, guinea pigs, but mainly cats. I have looked after my children’s and neighbours cat when they’ve been on holiday and am a registered dog walker at my local kennels.
I am a retired administrator/office manager. I worked in the third sector firstly for a housing charity and then with a drug/alcohol treatment centre.
Sadly I lost my husband and lifelong travelling companion in January 2024 so it’s just me now, out there trying to make the best of a life on my own.
I’m a very clean person and have a fairly good understanding of how to care for plants and am happy to do watering, dead-heading, a little weeding, etc.
I do a lot of reading, love doing puzzles and enjoy a bit of cooking. I’ve spent quite a lot of time recently researching my family history but am still looking for that royalty which I know must be there … somewhere!
I love nature and green spaces and enjoy a nice walk. My favourite thing is going to be caring for your pet and as a retiree, I have all day to pander to their needs.
Feel free to message me if you need any advice. Xx
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I agree with @Daisy999 . Take out everything about Grenfell, it’s not relevant. It’s also bit long winded, just condense it a bit.
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Welcome @Mizztraveller
“A picture paints a thousand words” so my tip is to ensure that for your profile you have good quality photos showing you interacting with a variety of pets .
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@Mizztraveller sorry it has taken me a couple of days to get back to you and I am glad to see that others have. I totally agree with getting rid of the Grenfell and wrapped in plastic. Otherwise I think what you wrote and what has been suggested is great 
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I’m also new, nice to meet you!
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Welcome to the Community!
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Hi Lynne, I love your personal version, it seems so genuine and heartfelt. I think chatgpt might be the editor and it just doesn’t have the “personal” touch that your own writing has… that being said they are both compelling… ! come to Sebastopol, California, you’ll love it here!
Hi there,
I am also new myself and here are a few things that I’ve learned.
- You are applying for a job. If you would not include it in a cover letter or résumé leaving it out.
- Pick the low hanging fruit. Sits that have low applications, are happening very soon or last minute are best.
- Be sure to include photos of you with pets in your profile
- Have references if you don’t have reviews. If you have cared for other peoples pets, get them to write you a reference.
- Apply for sits that are brief and nearby your home.
Good luck!