sitters

Sitters are individuals who care for people, pets, or property while the owner is away. The term covers several roles, including babysitters who look after children, pet sitters who care for animals, house sitters who reside in a home, and, in some cases, elder-care or plant sitters who provide companionship or routine maintenance.

Roles and duties vary by category but share core elements. Babysitters supervise children, help with meals and activities, and follow families’ routines while responding to emergencies. Pet sitters feed, exercise, groom, and monitor the health and welfare of animals. House sitters maintain a residence, receive deliveries, tend plants, and monitor security. Elder-care or companion sitters provide non-medical support, such as companionship and light housekeeping, in the home.

Qualifications and training: Many sitters build credibility through references, background checks, and certifications in CPR and first aid relevant to their duties. Some roles require additional knowledge, such as medication administration for dependents or specialized pet care for certain species. Roles are often facilitated by agencies or online platforms that provide profiles, reviews, and vetting.

Hiring and compensation: Sitter arrangements range from informal referrals to formal agency placements or platform-mediated bookings. Payment structures vary: hourly rates for babysitting, per-visit or per-day rates for pet sitting, and flat fees for house sitting. Rates depend on location, duration, and the sitter’s experience.

Safety and ethics: Sitters operate in private homes or manage vulnerable individuals, making reliability, privacy, and safety essential. Families typically interview candidates, check references, and establish clear expectations and emergency protocols.