8 Dog Sitter Resume Examples That Work
Each resume below includes a quick overview of what makes it effective, who it’s best for, and lessons you can apply to your own.
Example 1: Entry-Level Dog Sitter Resume
Emily Rivera
emily.rivera@email.com | (555) 321-7890 | San Diego, CA | Rover.com/emilyrivera
Professional Summary
Reliable and enthusiastic dog lover with hands-on experience caring for pets of family and friends. Strong attention to detail, punctuality, and genuine affection for animals. Seeking opportunities to build relevant experience in professional dog-sitting while ensuring pets are safe, exercised, and happy in their home environment, with specific examples of care.
Skills
- Basic Dog Handling
- Feeding & Medication
- On-Leash Walking
- Play Supervision
- Clean-Up & Waste Management
- Communication with Owners
Experience
Freelance Pet Sitter – Self-Employed, San Diego, CA
Mar 2024 – Present
- Walked dogs in local neighborhoods for 4+ recurring clients, providing daily updates via text and photo.
- Monitored behavior for signs of stress, illness, or discomfort and informed owners immediately.
- Maintained strict feeding and potty schedules tailored to each dog's needs.
Dog Care Assistant – PetCo Volunteer Program, San Diego, CA
Jan 2024 – Mar 2024
- Assisted in cleaning kennels, feeding, and walking dogs at adoption events.
- Shadowed trainers and staff to learn dog behavior cues and handling techniques.
Certifications
- Pet First Aid & CPR – American Red Cross, 2024
- Dog Walking Basics – Pet Sitters International, 2023
Example 2: Experienced Dog Sitter Resume
Luis Martinez
luis.martinez@email.com | (555) 876-5432 | New York, NY | LinkedIn.com/in/luismartinez
Professional Summary
Trusted dog sitter with 6+ years of experience providing attentive care to dogs of all sizes and temperaments, showcasing key skills in the process. Skilled in overnight stays, administering medications, leash walking, and handling multiple dogs at once. Known for being a reliable pet sitter, professionalism, strong communication skills, timely communication, and a strong base of repeat clients.
Skills
- Overnight Pet Sitting
- Canine First Aid
- Crate Training
- Multi-Dog Handling
- Behavior Observation
- Client Scheduling
Experience
Dog Sitter – PetLove NYC, New York, NY
Jun 2018 – Present
- Provided daytime and overnight care for over 50 recurring clients, including elderly and high-anxiety dogs.
- Followed complex dietary, allergy, and medication routines with zero incidents.
- Maintained a 5-star rating for punctuality, updates, and cleanliness.
Dog Daycare Attendant – Bark Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Sep 2016 – May 2018
- Supervised 10–20 dogs daily in indoor and outdoor play areas.
- Trained in basic first aid, de-escalation techniques, and proper crate use.
- Gained experience recognizing early signs of illness or injury.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) – Pet Sitters International, 2022
- Dog CPR & Emergency Response – PetTech, 2023
Example 3: Dog Walker Turned Dog Sitter Resume
Sophia Kim
sophia.kim@email.com | (555) 234-0987 | Chicago, IL | Instagram.com/sophiapetcare
Professional Summary
Energetic and reliable dog walker transitioning into dog sitting with specialized training and a strong focus on exercise, stimulation, and routine, as well as providing companionship. Over 3 years of experience walking 20+ dogs weekly, now expanding services to include overnight stays, feeding, and post-walk care.
Skills
- Leash Control
- Breed-Specific Care
- Routine Enforcement
- GPS Dog-Walking Apps
- Pet Updates via Photo/Video
Experience
Dog Walker – Wag!, Chicago, IL
Feb 2021 – Present
- Averaged 10–12 walks per week, including midday and evening shifts.
- Frequently requested by clients for long-term services due to reliability and pet friendliness.
- Successfully transitioned to in-home sitting on weekends and holidays.
Weekend Dog Sitter – Freelance, Chicago, IL
Jun 2023 – Present
- Cared for dogs during overnight stays, ensuring consistent routines and companionship.
- Offered post-walk massages and enrichment play to promote relaxation and bonding.
Certifications
- Dog CPR & First Aid – Red Cross, 2023
- Professional Dog Walker Certificate – FetchFind, 2022
Example 4: Weekend Dog Sitter Resume (Part-Time)
Jordan Ellis
jordan.ellis@email.com | (555) 135-7902 | Dallas, TX
Professional Summary
Part-time weekend dog sitter with a flexible schedule and background in veterinary reception. Comfortable administering medications, assisting with special needs, and handling dogs in high-stress environments. Available for weekends, holidays, and short-notice stays.
Skills
- Medication Administration
- Calm Under Pressure
- Vet Communication
- Animal Nutrition
- Flexible Availability
Experience
Dog Sitter – Freelance, Dallas, TX
Jan 2022 – Present
- Managed weekend and holiday sitting for up to three clients at a time.
- Assisted in caring for dogs recovering from surgery, administering medications, and providing mobility support.
- Responsible for home security and pet hygiene during extended stays.
Veterinary Receptionist – Oak Hills Vet Clinic, Dallas, TX
Jul 2020 – Dec 2021
- Greeted pet owners, coordinated appointments, and handled pet intake.
- Observed veterinarians in clinical settings and learned canine behavior patterns and emergency protocols.
Certifications
- Pet Sitting for Special Needs Pets – PSI, 2023
- Animal Behavior and Care – Coursera, 2022
Example 5: Dog Sitter Resume with No Experience (Career Starter)
Ava Johnson
ava.johnson@email.com | (555) 456-9871 | Miami, FL
Professional Summary
Compassionate and eager beginner seeking entry into professional dog care. Passionate about animal welfare and committed to learning canine behavior, routines, and client preferences. Willing to volunteer, shadow experienced sitters, or offer discounted services to gain hands-on experience in a safe and nurturing environment.
Skills
- Dependable & Trustworthy
- Eager to Learn
- Time Management
- Pet Feeding
- Owner Communication
Experience
Dog Walker – Miami Animal Shelter (Volunteer)
Jan 2024 – Mar 2024
- Walked shelter dogs under staff supervision and documented walking times and behaviors.
- Cleaned kennels, prepared food, and supported daily enrichment activities.
Pet Companion – Family/Friends, Miami, FL
Ongoing
- Provided pet sitting and companionship for relatives’ dogs during short vacations.
- Learned feeding schedules, gentle handling, and how to observe behavior cues.
Certifications
- Dog Care Basics – ASPCA Learning, 2024
- Pet First Aid – American Red Cross, 2024
Example 6: Full-Time Professional Dog Sitter Resume
Brandon White
brandon.white@email.com | (555) 654-3210 | Seattle, WA
Professional Summary
Full-time professional dog sitter with 7+ years of experience and a thriving client base. Known for providing exceptional care through exceptional pet care services, prompt communication, custom care plans, and 24/7 support for emergencies, including monitoring pet health. Offers long-term sitting, elderly dog care, and enrichment-based interaction.
Skills
- Emergency Response
- Custom Care Plans
- Booking Management
- Key Handling
- Overnight/Extended Stays
Experience
Owner – SitStayRepeat LLC, Seattle, WA
Jul 2016 – Present
- Built a full-time dog-sitting business with over 100 regular clients.
- Maintained a 95% rebooking rate through exceptional service and daily text/picture updates.
- Specializing in 2+ week stays for traveling clients.
In-Home Sitter – PawPal Seattle, Seattle, WA
Mar 2014 – Jun 2016
- Provided care for dogs with special needs, including arthritis, diabetes, and anxiety.
- Gained experience in solo pet care, post-op routines, and managing emergencies calmly.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), PSI – 2023
- Canine First Aid & Health Monitoring – FetchFind, 2022
Example 7: Dog Sitter with Vet Tech Background Resume
Meera Patel
meera.patel@email.com | (555) 112-3344 | Denver, CO
Professional Summary
Former veterinary technician turned dog sitter with deep knowledge of canine health, behavior, and emergency response. Trusted for handling health concerns, complex medical routines, senior dog care, and post-surgical observation. Combines clinical experience with a gentle, compassionate approach, including skills in pet grooming and care.
Skills
- Medical Observation
- Insulin Injections
- Anxiety Management
- Vet Protocols
- Health Reporting
Experience
Dog Sitter – Freelance, Denver, CO
Aug 2021 – Present
- Provided specialized care for dogs with seizure disorders, post-surgical recovery, and medication needs.
- Maintained daily medical logs and communicated directly with veterinarians when needed.
Veterinary Technician – Rocky View Animal Clinic, Denver, CO
Jun 2018 – Jul 2021
- Assisted veterinarians during surgeries and checkups.
- Monitored recovery, administered injections, and handled anxious or injured animals with care.
Certifications
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate – Colorado Vet Tech Institute, 2019
- Dog CPR & First Aid – PetTech, 2023
Example 8: College Student Dog Sitter Resume
Jake Morgan
jake.morgan@email.com | (555) 765-0981 | Boston, MA
Professional Summary
Responsible college student offering dog sitting and walking services around campus. Energetic, attentive, and trusted by local faculty and neighbors for weekend and holiday dog walking services and care. Comfortable with high-energy breeds and committed to consistent, loving routines.
Skills
- Energetic Playtime
- Daily Walks
- Routine Tracking
- Strong Communication
Experience
Dog Sitter – Student Services Board, Boston, MA
Sep 2023 – Present
- Sat for over 10 faculty members' pets, offering weekend check-ins and walks.
- Maintained care logs, updated owners via text, and followed detailed feeding routines.
Campus Pet Care Assistant – BU Pet Club, Boston, MA
Jan 2023 – Aug 2023
- Participated in dog-walking events and temporary sitting for student pets.
- Promoted pet care events and helped manage campus-wide adoption drive.
Certifications
- Dog Sitting Essentials – PetSit Academy, 2024
- Pet CPR & First Aid – Red Cross, 2023
How to Write a Dog Sitter Resume That Gets Gigs
Here’s how to structure your dog sitter resume to stand out to clients and agencies, especially when care, reliability, and pet-handling skills matter most:
1. Choose a Clean Format That’s ATS-Ready
Even for pet-sitting platforms and agencies, resumes often go through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Formatting Tips:
- Use reverse chronological order (latest experience first).
- Stick with simple fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica (11–12 pt).
- Avoid graphics, tables, or columns—ATS systems may reject or misread them.
- Label each section clearly: “Summary,” “Experience,” “Skills,” “Certifications.”
2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job or Platform
Show that you understand the role, whether it's for overnight care, puppy sitting, or dog walking.
How to tailor it:
- Use keywords from the job post or platform listing (e.g., “crate training,” “leash reactivity,” “administering meds”).
- Reflect experience type (volunteer vs. paid) based on the platform’s expectations.
- Add platform-specific language: For example, “5-star sitter on Rover with 30+ reviews.”
Example:Listing says “overnight dog care”? Add:
“Provided overnight care for 3 senior dogs with medication needs and dietary restrictions.”
3. Write Results-Driven Bullet Points
Focus on what you achieved, not just what you did. Use the formula:
Action Verb + Task + Result (include metrics if possible)
Good:
Weak:Use strong verbs like:- Provided
- Trained
- Cared for
- Administered
- Managed
- Ensured
- Resolved
4. List Both Practical & Soft Skills
Hiring managers or pet parents look for both hands-on and emotional intelligence in dog sitters.
Use strong verbs like:Hard Skills:
- Dog CPR & First Aid
- Medication Administration
- Crate Training Techniques
- GPS Dog Walking Apps (e.g., Rover, Wag!)
- Scheduling Tools (e.g., Time to Pet, Google Calendar)
Soft Skills:
- Dependability
- Patience with Anxious Pets
- Strong Communication with Owners
- Attention to Detail (feeding times, meds, etc.)
- Calm Under Pressure (vet emergencies, storms)
5. Add Certifications, Volunteer Work, and Pet-Sitting Platforms
These elements add trust and credibility, especially when you're building your client base or working through a platform.
Recommended Certifications:- Pet First Aid & CPR (Red Cross, PetTech)
- PSI Certified Professional Pet Sitter
- Dog Behavior & Training Courses (Coursera, Udemy, etc.)
Volunteer Work:- “Volunteered 6 months at the local shelter, walking and socializing high-energy dogs.”
Pet-Sitting Platforms to Include (if applicable):- Rover
- Wag!
- TrustedHousesitters
Common Dog Sitter Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you love animals and have experience caring for dogs, your resume can still fall short if it misses key pet care industry expectations. Avoid these frequent dog sitter resume pitfalls, including neglecting behavioral issues, to make your application stand out to both pet owners and agencies:
1. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Resume
Sending the same generic resume to every pet-sitting job can hurt your chances, especially if you’re not addressing specific pet care requirements or owner concerns.
How to fix it:
- Tailor your summary and skills to match each job listing
- Highlight specific needs from the posting (e.g., administering medication, overnight stays, large breed experience)
2. Listing Duties Without Demonstrating Care or Trust
Generic phrases like “walked dogs” don’t show the trust you’ve earned or your reliability. Pet owners want to feel confident leaving their dogs with you.
3. Including Irrelevant or Overused Skills
Listing skills like “Microsoft Word” or “excellent multitasking” can feel vague or irrelevant for dog-sitting roles. Instead, focus on the pet-specific experience.
4. Overdesigning Your Resume
Using cute paw print icons or quirky fonts might seem fun, but they can distract or even break when read by hiring software.
Best Practices:
- Stick to a clean, reverse-chronological format
- Use simple, readable fonts like Arial or Calibri
- Avoid using tables, images, or elaborate graphics
5. Skipping the Summary Section
Jumping right into experience without a summary can make your resume feel generic or unfocused. A short, warm introduction builds trust and professionalism.
A good summary helps:
- Frame your core strengths (e.g., “Experienced dog sitter with 3+ years of pet care for all breeds and sizes”)
- Mention certifications (like Pet CPR or animal behavior courses)
- Show genuine love for animals and responsibility for their well-being
Conclusion
A great dog sitter resume balances warmth with professionalism. Whether you're starting out or building a pet care business, showing proof of responsibility, attention to detail, and a passion for multiple pets and dogs is your best strategy. Use the examples and tips above to create a dog sitter resume that earns trust and bookings.
