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Entertain Pets While Housesitting – Tips
New housesitters often struggle knowing how to entertain pets while they are housesitting in a new location. It can take practice to think of the best way to keep pets stimulated and active. Read on to learn our top tips.
Photo credit – Marzena7
Fun Games and Activities to Keep Pets Entertained While Housesitting
Housesitting often means taking care of pets like dogs, cats, or even smaller animals. Pets can get bored when their owners are away, which might lead to them chewing things or acting out.
As a housesitter, keeping them busy with games and activities helps them stay happy and calm. This also makes your time more enjoyable. Today, we look at simple ways to entertain pets using items you find around the house or easy-to-get toys. We focus on safe, fun options for different pets, with steps to try them out. Remember to check with the pet owner first about any rules or health needs.
Why Entertainment Matters in Housesitting
When you house sit, pets might miss their usual companion, and their routines together or feel lonely. Bored pets find other outlets for their energy. They can scratch furniture, bark a lot, or hide away. Games and activities entertain pets by giving them exercise, mental work, and bonding time with you.
This keeps the home peaceful and helps pets adjust to the change. Plus, active pets sleep better at night, giving you rest too. Start with short sessions, watch how the pet reacts, and stop if they seem tired or upset. Always use safe toys and avoid anything that could hurt them, like small parts they might swallow.
For housesitters, these ideas use common household stuff, so you don’t need to buy much. If the owner leaves toys, use those. Track what the pet likes and note it for future sits. Now, let’s dive into games for dogs, since they often need more action.
Games and Activities for Dogs
Dogs love play that involves running, sniffing, or thinking. Finding an activity that combines all these is a great way to entertain pets. Here are some easy ones to try while housesitting.
1. Classic Fetch with a Twist
Fetch is a basic game, but you can change it up. Use a ball or soft toy from the house. Throw it across the yard or room, and have the dog bring it back. To make it more interesting, hide the toy behind furniture first, then throw it. This adds a search element. For indoor spaces, use a hallway or roll the ball gently.
Play for 10-15 minutes, a few times a day. It burns energy and strengthens your bond. If the dog doesn’t fetch well, start by rewarding them with treats when they touch the toy. One time, I sat with an energetic pup who loved this – we added jumps over cushions for extra fun.
2. Tug-of-War Safely
Grab a rope toy or old towel. Hold one end, let the dog pull the other. Say “tug” to start and “drop” to end. This builds strength and teaches control. Keep sessions short to avoid overexcitement.
Use it indoors on rainy days. Make sure the toy won’t tear easily. If the dog growls too much, switch to another game. It’s great for medium to large dogs who need an outlet for their power.
Photo credit – Didgeman
3. Hide and Seek for Sniffing Fun
Dogs have strong noses, so hide treats or their favorite toy around the room. It’s a great way to entertain pets, it’s stimulating and keeps them active for a while. Start easy – show them where you hide it, then let them find it. As they get better, hide in harder spots like under blankets, behind doors, or gently lift area rugs to hide treats underneath. Just make sure to smooth the rug back to avoid trips.
This mental game tires them out without much running. Do it in safe areas, away from breakables. Reward with praise when they find it. For housesitting, it’s perfect because it uses the home environment. If treats or play leave dirt on rugs, consider area rug cleaning to keep things tidy.
4. Puzzle Toys from Household Items
Make a simple puzzle with cups or a muffin tin. Put treats under upside-down cups and let the dog flip them. Or fill a towel with kibble, roll it up, and watch them unroll it.
These keep dogs busy for 20 minutes or more. It’s good for food-motivated pets. Clean up after to avoid mess. If the owner has puzzle toys, use those first.
5. Indoor Obstacle Course
Set up a course with pillows, chairs, or boxes. Guide the dog through with treats – over, under, around. Call it “puppy parkour” for fun.
This gives exercise in small spaces. Start slowly to build confidence. It’s ideal for active breeds during bad weather.
6. Bobbing for Toys
Fill a shallow tub with water and float toys or treats. Let the dog bob for them. Use indoors or out, but supervise to avoid spills.
Fun for water-loving dogs. Dry them off after. Not for all pets – skip if they fear water.
Photo credit – Pixabay License
7. Musical Sit
One popular way to entertain pets while housesitting is to play music and walk the dog around. When music stops, say “sit” and reward. Like musical chairs but for dogs.
Teaches commands while playing. Short bursts keep it engaging.
These dog games can mix physical and brain work. Adjust based on the dog’s age and energy. Puppies need more play, older dogs have gentler options.
Games and Activities for Cats
Cats are independent but need stimulation to avoid boredom. They like hunting-style games. Here’s how to entertain them.
1. Laser Pointer Chase
Use a laser pointer to make a dot move across floors or walls, can entertain pets for hours, especially felines. Cats chase it like prey. Move it erratically but let them “catch” it sometimes by stopping on a toy.
Play 5-10 minutes. Avoid shining in eyes. It’s great for indoor cats who need exercise without much space.
2. Feather Wand Tease
Wave a feather toy or string with bells. Let the cat bat and pounce. Mimic bird or mouse movements.
This taps into their hunt instinct. Rotate toys to keep interest. Housesitters can find these in pet supplies.
3. Box Fort Exploration
Cats love boxes. Stack empty ones with holes cut out. Hide treats inside for them to find.
Cheap and easy. Add paper for crinkling sounds. It provides hiding spots and adventure.
4. Puzzle Feeders
Use a treat ball or make one from a bottle with holes. Fill with kibble – cat rolls it to get food out.
Slows eating and adds fun. Good for cats who eat too fast.
5. Window Watching Setup
Place a perch near a window. Add bird feeders outside if okay with the owner.
Passive but entertaining. Cats watch birds or squirrels for hours.
6. Bubble Chase
Blow pet-safe bubbles. Cats pop them with paws.
Novel and light. Do in open areas.
7. Hide and Peek
Hide behind furniture and peek out, calling the cat. Or use a toy to pop out.
Builds curiosity. Short sessions prevent frustration.
Cats tire quickly, so watch for signs they want to stop. These keep them active without overdoing it.
Photo credit – guvo59
Ideas for Other Pets
Not all housesits involve dogs or cats. For birds, talk to them or play sounds of nature. Let them out in safe spaces if trained.
- Rabbits enjoy tunnels from cardboard tubes. Hide veggies for foraging.
- Guinea pigs like hay-stuffed toys for chewing.
- Fish or reptiles need less interaction – clean tanks and feed on schedule.
Always research the pet type if new to you.
Safety Tips and Preparation
Before games, check for allergies or health issues. Use pet-safe items. Supervise to prevent accidents. Clean up to leave the house tidy.
Pet play often happens on carpets, so vacuum after sessions to remove hair and dirt or you can consider carpet cleaning services to help keep rugs and carpets spotless.
Vary activities to avoid boredom. Note what works in a log for the owner.
If pets seem stressed, give space. Contact the owner or vet if needed.
Wrapping Up on How to Entertain Pets
Learning how to entertain pets while housesitting makes the whole experience better for everyone. With these games, you can keep dogs running, cats pouncing, and other pets engaged. It builds trust and creates good memories. Try a few on your next sit and see the difference. What games have you tried? Share below.
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Further reading about pet sitting and housesitters
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