Hiring a neighbourhood teen to walk your dog or stop by to feed your cat might sound like an easy and affordable option. After all, they seem responsible, live nearby, and may even have a pet of their own. But while good intentions go a long way, they aren’t enough when it comes to your pet’s safety and well-being. Choosing a professional pet care provider ensures a level of reliability, training, and accountability that untrained teens cannot offer. In Canada, where professional standards for pet care are rising, making the right choice matters more than ever.
The Risks of Hiring a Teen to Care for Your Pet
When your pet’s care is at stake, convenience should never come at the cost of safety. Here are some of the significant risks associated with hiring a teenager, even a responsible one, to care for your animals.
Lack of Training and Experience
Many teens care for pets casually, but that’s not a substitute for dedicated expertise. The fact that Canadian professional pet sitters now generate an average of CAN $100,764 annually speaks volumes; they’re running full-fledged, reliable businesses, not weekend favours. Teenagers typically lack formal training in animal behaviour, handling, and emergency response. While they may love pets, love alone doesn’t teach someone how to:
- Respond to an aggressive off-leash dog.
- Read warning signs in a stressed or fearful pet.
- Handle a pet with a chronic condition or medication schedule.
- React if a pet chokes, bolts, or experiences a medical emergency.
In contrast, professional pet care providers are often trained in animal first aid, behavioural cues, and stress signals —skills that are critical in real-life scenarios.
No Insurance or Liability Coverage
Most teens (and their families) do not carry insurance that covers accidents, injuries, or damages that could occur while watching someone else’s pet. If your dog bites a neighbour while on a walk, or your cat gets injured due to negligence, guess who could be held financially responsible? You, the pet parent.
Professional pet sitters, on the other hand, carry liability insurance and are often bonded. That means in the event of an accident, both the pet caregiver and the client are protected.
Emotional Immaturity in Crisis Situations
Even responsible teens are still developing emotional resilience. In high-pressure situations, such as when a pet is injured, escapes, or reacts aggressively, a teenager might panic, freeze, or make an impulsive decision. This lack of crisis management skills can have serious consequences, from delays in seeking medical attention to escalating a dangerous situation.
Professional pet care providers are trained to remain calm under pressure, follow established emergency protocols, and respond quickly. They are also more likely to have a backup plan or emergency contact procedure in place.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In many Canadian provinces, leaving animals in the care of minors can raise legal questions or violate bylaws. Who is liable if the teen brings a friend over and something goes wrong? What if the teen decides to leave your pet unattended? Are they legally allowed to administer medication or make decisions about emergency care?
Professionals operate under clear contracts that outline responsibilities, permissions, and expectations. This legal framework protects all parties, including your pet.
Risk of Injury to Pet or Caregiver
Handling animals, especially those with energy, fear, or health issues, requires physical awareness and confidence. Teens may not know how to approach a nervous dog or hold a cat correctly. This increases the risk of:
- Bites, scratches, or falls.
- A pet running into traffic.
- Mishandling a leash, carrier, or medication.
Additionally, if the teen is injured while caring for your pet, you may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Why Professional Pet Care Is the Better Choice
Choosing a professional pet sitter or dog walker in Canada means investing in peace of mind. Here’s why qualified pros consistently deliver better outcomes, for both pets and their people.
Training and Certifications
Many professional pet sitters pursue certifications in pet first aid, behaviour training, and specialized care for pets. Organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI), Canadian Pet Professionals, Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and Walks ‘N’ Wags offer education and training programs that ensure pet care providers are well-prepared for a variety of situations on both the business and pet care side of operations. That level of preparedness matters, especially when your pet has unique needs or may face unpredictable circumstances. Organizations like the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) bring independent testing and certification to the pet care services industry to confirm their expertise.
Insurance and Liability Protection
Professional sitters are typically fully insured and bonded, which protects both the caregiver and the client in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage. This insurance coverage often includes:
- General liability (if your pet bites someone or damages property)
- Care, custody, and control coverage (if your pet is injured while in their care)
- Property damage coverage
You won’t find that kind of protection with a neighbourhood teenager.
Reliability and Accountability
Professional pet care providers run their services like a real business, with scheduling software, contracts, backup plans, and clear communication protocols. You’ll receive:
- Confirmation of services and appointments
- Digital check-ins or GPS-tracked walks
- Detailed notes and photos
- Emergency procedures laid out ahead of time
This level of consistency and communication helps you feel confident and informed throughout the entire process.
When It Comes to Your Pet’s Safety, Choose Wisely
Your dog, cat, or other beloved animal isn’t just a pet; they’re family. Their health, happiness, and safety deserve professional, thoughtful care. While a teen may have good intentions and a kind heart, the lack of training, legal protection, and emergency readiness can put both your pet and your peace of mind at risk.
A Real-Life Example
Consider a case where a teen walking a neighbour’s dog didn’t notice that the dog was limping slightly. By the time the pet parent returned, the limp had worsened into a painful injury that required treatment. A professional may have noticed the issue earlier and contacted the pet parent right away. These minor differences matter.
Or consider the example of a sitter who forgot to secure a gate properly. The dog escaped and was found blocks away. Situations like this are less likely when you work with professionals who follow strict checklists and have safety protocols in place.
Trust Your Pet to a Professional
When life takes you away from your pets, don’t gamble on their care. Hire a trained, insured, and experienced professional who sees pet care not as a favour, but as a serious, skilled responsibility.
In Canada’s growing pet care industry, standing out means prioritizing safety, trust, and accountability. Professional pet care providers are here to provide that. Your pet will thank you. Check out the CPCP “Verified Pro” Directory to find a professional near you! Learn more about what it means if your pet care provider is a Verified Pro in Canada!
Author: Erika Godwin
Erika Godwin is the President of Barketing Solutions and the Co-Founder and CMO of ProPet Software, and Co-Founder of Canadian Pet Care Professionals (CPCP).