A day in the life of....

No two pet sits are ever quite the same and that’s exactly what we love about this lifestyle. From countryside walks with bouncy spaniels to mysterious cats with their own schedules and chatty hens pecking around the garden, each day brings something new. In this blog, we share a typical day during one of our sits in a quiet South Wales village, where the pace is gentle, the animals are full of character, and the routine is anything but ordinary.

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A Day in the Life of a Pet Sitter
Village life, four animals, and a rhythm worth slowing down for

We are spending this week in a peaceful little village in South Wales, staying in a lovely family home and caring for a brilliant bunch of animals. Pet sitting gives us the chance to slow down, connect with new places and animals, and enjoy all the simple joys of daily life with furry (and feathery) companions. Here’s what an average day looks like on this sit.

The day usually begins around 6.30am. Dougal, the Springer Spaniel, is gently stirring, stretching long limbs and blinking at us from his bed. He is not one to leap up, he prefers a slow start, watching the world wake up before committing to breakfast or bouncing.

Our first job is to check the chickens. Oreo and Jaffa are already up and busy when we go to the coop. The automatic door usually opens on time, but we like to make sure it has done its job and that the girls are happily scratching about in the garden. They’re a friendly pair with big personalities, and always seem quite pleased to see us. With the first task done, we pop the kettle on and I take our own dog Gus for an early walk while Dougal stays home and continues his morning lounge.

Mid-morning is all about Dougal. He loves his walk, and even more than that, he loves his ball. There is a park just behind the house, perfect for a good run and fetch session. He chases with wild enthusiasm, ears flying, legs going in every direction. Once back home, he trots straight to the food cupboard and gives a loud, purposeful bark to tell us it is time for breakfast. There is no mistaking his meaning.

Puck the cat, on the other hand, runs to his own schedule entirely. He often stays out all night on mysterious feline missions and might not show up until mid-morning. When he is ready to come in, we hear his meow at the front door,  a dramatic, slightly offended sort of sound. In he comes, tail flicking, demanding breakfast or a nap or both. He is beautifully unpredictable and we adore him for it.

Once everyone is fed and settled, we get on with the rest of the morning. The chickens get topped up with feed, and we collect any eggs they have kindly left for us. We clean out the coop, refresh the straw and check the garden. Inside, it’s a bit of general housekeeping,  floors are swept and mopped, the dishwasher emptied, and the rugs hoovered, all under the watchful eyes of a sleeping dog or a curious cat.

After lunch, we often head out for another park session with Dougal. The cooler weather has made it perfect for a second bout of ball throwing. He never tires of it, and we never tire of watching him. Afterwards, it’s time for more napping,  for Dougal, not us  while we settle in for an hour or two of remote work and household chores.

As the sun begins to dip, the dinner routines kick in. Everyone is fed again, including Oreo and Jaffa who always seem to be plotting something in their corner of the garden. Puck makes a second appearance if he disappeared again during the afternoon, often sliding in like he’s never left.

Just before dark, we head out one final time to check that the automatic chicken door has closed properly. More often than not, the girls are already tucked up for the night, feathers fluffed, all drama from earlier forgotten. We do a quick headcount and wish them goodnight.

The evening is quiet. Sometimes we go for a little walk, or sit in the garden and water the plants. There is something special about the rhythm of village life,  slow, steady, and full of small joys. Pet sitting here reminds us how lovely the ordinary can be, especially when shared with a ball-mad spaniel, an independent-minded cat, and two very sociable hens.