Updated on | by Critter Nets - Blogs
Pet Sitting for Farm Animals: What Services Are Available
Introduction
When most people think of pet sitting, they imagine someone feeding cats or walking dogs. But if you own farm animals, from chickens and goats to pigs and sheep, you know their care can’t be paused just because you’re traveling. That’s where farm animal pet sitting comes in—a specialized service designed to keep your animals healthy, safe, and well-cared for when you're away.
In this blog, we’ll explore what farm sitting services include, who offers them, and how to find the right caregiver for your barnyard crew.
1. What Is Farm Animal Pet Sitting
Farm animal pet sitting is a type of rural or homestead pet care where a sitter visits or stays on your property to manage livestock or farm pets. These services go beyond dog walking and may include:
- Feeding and watering livestock
- Cleaning stalls, coops, or pens
- Administering medications or supplements
- Assisting with birthing (in some cases)
- Checking fences and water supplies
- Monitoring animal health and behavior
Whether you have a mini-farm with backyard chickens or a full-scale homestead, farm sitters ensure continuity of care and give you peace of mind during your absence.
2. Animals Commonly Covered by Farm Sitters
Depending on the sitter's expertise, these are the most common animals cared for:
- Goats: Milking, feeding, hoof checks
- Chickens and Ducks: Egg collection, coop cleaning
- Pigs: Feeding, cleaning, pen safety
- Sheep: Health checks, rotational grazing
- Horses: Grooming, feeding, turnout
- Cows: Milking, feeding, medication
- Rabbits: Feeding, cage cleaning
- Farm Dogs or Working Animals: Exercise, feeding, security checks
If you have exotic or heritage breeds, be sure to find a sitter experienced in their specific care needs.
3. Types of Farm Sitting Services Available
Farm sitting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the most common options:
Daily Drop-In Visits
A sitter comes once or twice a day to feed animals, check water, clean up, and monitor general wellness.
Best for: Smaller homesteads, shorter trips, or low-maintenance animals.
Live-In Farm Sitting
The sitter stays on your property, offering round-the-clock monitoring and animal care.
Best for: Large farms, long trips, or animals requiring medical care or close observation.
Emergency or On-Call Visits
Need someone to step in during a storm, power outage, or sudden medical need Emergency farm sitters are available in many areas.
Best for: Remote farms or properties prone to environmental challenges.
Specialty Services
These vary based on the sitter’s skills and may include:
- Milking dairy animals
- Egg collection and safe storage
- Assisting with lambing, farrowing, or kidding
- Minor wound care or administering medications
- Garden or crop watering (for integrated farms)
4. What to Look for in a Qualified Farm Sitter
Farm animal care isn’t something just any pet sitter can handle. When hiring someone, look for:
- Experience with livestock
- Ability to handle medical situations
- Physical fitness (moving bales, hauling buckets, catching animals)
- Knowledge of fencing and containment
- References from other farm clients
- Insurance and liability coverage
Ask detailed questions during the interview:
- Have you ever cared for goats with parasites
- How would you handle a chicken with signs of illness
- Are you comfortable milking a dairy cow
5. Preparing for Your Farm Sitter's Visit
Set your sitter up for success by preparing the following:
- A detailed animal care guide, including feeding schedules, medications, and animal quirks
- Emergency contacts: vet, farrier, neighbor, utility providers
- Clear instructions for using equipment (electric fencing, milking machines, etc.)
- A labeled supply area with feed, supplements, tools, and medications
- A printed daily checklist for routine tasks
Doing this reduces confusion, increases confidence, and helps your sitter handle issues proactively.
6. How to Find a Farm Pet Sitter Near You
Here are a few places to look:
- Local farming or homesteading groups(Facebook, Nextdoor, or forums)
- Veterinary clinics(many vet techs do part-time sitting)
- Farm supply stores(check bulletin boards)
-
Pet sitting directorieswith a filter for farm animals, such as:
- Rover (in some rural areas)
- PetSitters.org
- Thumbtack
- TrustedHousesitters (includes rural sitters)
Be sure to check reviews, conduct a meet-and-greet, and confirm experience before booking.
7. The Benefits of Using a Farm Pet Sitter
- Peace of mind while you’re away
- Reduced stress on animals by keeping them in their environment
- Maintains cleanliness and feeding routines
- Early detection of illness or injury
- Builds a relationship with a reliable farm professional you can call in the future
Conclusion
Hiring a pet sitter for your farm animals isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of responsible animal ownership when life pulls you away. From chickens and goats to pigs and ponies, a skilled farm sitter ensures your animals receive the care they deserve, even when you’re miles from home.
Take the time to choose someone with livestock experience, prepare clear instructions, and you’ll enjoy your time away knowing your barnyard is in good hands.
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