To hire a pet sitter in Ottawa, ON, define the hours and duties you need, post a free request on AvailJob, interview two or three vetted candidates and complete a police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors) before agreeing a written contract. Pet Sitters in Ottawa typically earn C$20–C$33 an hour, and most families fill the role in 2–7 days.
| Typical pay in Ottawa | C$20–C$33 an hour |
|---|---|
| Usual hours | visits of 30–60 minutes up to overnight stays |
| Time to hire | 2–7 days |
| Key check | A police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors) |
| Local cost level | Above the Canada average |
| Currency | CAD |
Hire a Pet Sitter in Ottawa, ON
Finding a pet sitter you can trust is one of the most important decisions a household in Ottawa, ON makes. A pet sitter cares for dogs, cats and other pets at home — feeding, walking, playing and giving medication while owners are busy or away. AvailJob helps families across National Capital Region connect with experienced pet sitters, compare candidates side by side and hire with confidence.
Ottawa is known for federal government, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and defence. Ottawa has the highest concentration of engineers, scientists and PhDs per capita of any Canadian city. That mix of busy professionals, growing families and long working days is exactly why demand for pet sitters keeps rising across the National Capital Region.
This page covers the pet sitter role in detail: who hires pet sitters in Ottawa, typical duties and skills, employment arrangements, local pay ranges in CAD, the legal checklist for employers in Canada, a step-by-step hiring process, interview questions and answers to the questions families ask us most. Everything is written for households in Ottawa, ON, Ontario, Canada.
Who hires pet sitters in Ottawa?
Demand for pet sitters in Ottawa comes from a wide range of households. The most common are:
- Full-time workers: whose dogs need a midday walk
- Frequent travellers: who want pets cared for at home
- Owners of elderly pets: that need medication
- Families on holiday: who want someone to house-sit too
- Owners of anxious pets: that do badly in kennels
With an average local salary of around C$79,000 and roughly 55% of roles offering remote or hybrid work, many Ottawa households now have a parent working from home part of the week. That changes what families need: help that keeps the home running quietly in the background while work calls happen in the next room.
What does a pet sitter do?
Duties are agreed with each family, so it is worth writing them down before you start interviewing. A typical pet sitter in Ottawa handles the following:
- Feeding: Follows the feeding plan and keeps bowls clean.
- Dog walking: Walks dogs on a set schedule and keeps them under control.
- Play and exercise: Keeps pets active and stimulated.
- Medication: Gives medicines as directed by the vet.
- Grooming: Brushes pets and keeps them clean.
- Litter and cleaning: Cleans litter boxes, cages and accidents.
- House sitting: Stays overnight and keeps the home secure.
- Updates: Sends photos and notes to the owners.
Be specific about anything outside the core role. If you would like your pet sitter to help with tasks that usually belong to a babysitter and a maid, say so in the job description and reflect it in the pay. Clear expectations at the start are the single biggest reason placements last.
Skills and qualifications to look for
Experience matters, but so does fit. These are the skills and qualifications that separate a good pet sitter from a great one:
- Experience with the type and breed of pet
- Pet first-aid knowledge
- Reliability and punctuality
- Calm, confident handling
- Ability to spot signs of illness
- Insurance for pet care where available
For this role, families in Canada should specifically verify references from pet owners, insurance and a background check for house access. AvailJob candidates list their experience and certificates on their profile so you can compare them before the first conversation.
Live-in, full-time, part-time or temporary?
There are four common ways to employ a pet sitter in Ottawa, ON. The right one depends on your hours, your space at home and your budget.
- Live-in pet sitter: House-sitting stays while owners travel. You provide a private room and agree clear off-duty hours.
- Full-time live-out: Rare, but some large households with several animals hire full-time.
- Part-time: Daily walks or drop-in visits.
- Temporary or on-call: Holidays, business trips and recovery after surgery.
In Canada part-time and live-out arrangements are the most common, while live-in roles are more usual for larger homes, families with irregular hours and care needs that continue overnight. Whatever you choose, the employment rules described below still apply.
How much does it cost to hire a pet sitter in Ottawa?
Expect to pay C$20–C$33 an hour for a pet sitter in Ottawa. That range reflects local wage levels, which are above the Canada national average, and the experience of the candidates you shortlist.
| Arrangement | Typical pay (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Part-time (per hour) | C$20–C$33 per hour |
| Full-time live-out (40 h/week) | C$800–C$1,320 per week |
| Live-in (approx. 45 h/week, board included) | C$765–C$1,262 per week |
| Temporary / agency | C$24–C$40 per hour |
These are indicative market ranges for Ottawa, ON, not quotes. The final figure depends on:
- Experience: candidates with long references and specialist training command the top of the range.
- Scope: adding duties from another role, more children or more rooms increases the rate.
- Hours: evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays usually carry a premium.
- Employment costs: remember employer contributions, insurance and paid leave on top of gross pay.
- Location: rates differ between Ottawa and nearby places such as Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton.
Pay must never fall below the provincial or territorial minimum wage. When you post on AvailJob, publishing a fair, specific rate attracts more experienced candidates and shortens the time to hire.
Employer rules for hiring pet sitters in Canada
Families who hire a caregiver, nanny or housekeeper directly in Canada are generally employers and must register a payroll account with the Canada Revenue Agency. The main points families in Ottawa, ON should know:
- Checks: Complete a police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors), identity verification and reference checks.
- Pay and tax: Employers deduct income tax, Canada Pension Plan (or Québec Pension Plan) contributions and Employment Insurance premiums, remit them to the CRA and issue a T4 slip each year.
- Hours and leave: Hours of work, overtime, vacation pay and statutory holidays are set by the province or territory’s employment standards legislation, and rules for live-in domestic workers vary between provinces.
- Contract: A signed employment contract should cover duties, hours, wages, overtime, accommodation if any, vacation and termination notice.
- Insurance: Some provinces require or allow workplace safety insurance coverage for domestic workers; check with the provincial workers’ compensation board.
- Right to work: Foreign caregivers may come through federal caregiver immigration programs or a work permit, which can require a Labour Market Impact Assessment and a specific employer.
Rules change and can vary locally in Ontario, so treat this as general guidance rather than legal advice and confirm the details with the Canada Revenue Agency and the provincial employment standards office or a payroll adviser before your pet sitter starts.
How to hire a pet sitter in Ottawa in 6 steps
- Define the role: Write down the duties, hours, start date and whether you need a live-in or live-out pet sitter in Ottawa.
- Post a free request on AvailJob: Describe your household and the pay you are offering. Your request reaches pet sitters looking for work in Ottawa, ON.
- Shortlist candidates: Compare experience, references, certificates and availability, then pick two or three people to meet.
- Interview: Meet in person or by video and use the interview questions below to understand how each candidate works.
- Check and verify: Complete a police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors) and call at least two references.
- Trial and contract: Arrange a short paid trial, then sign a written contract that covers pay, hours, leave and notice.
Most families in Ottawa complete these steps in 2–7 days. Starting early — especially before school holidays or a planned return to work — gives you a wider choice of candidates.
Interview questions to ask a pet sitter
Use these questions to get past rehearsed answers and see how each candidate really works:
- Which animals and breeds have you cared for?
- What would you do if our pet became ill?
- How many dogs do you walk at once?
- Can you give medication by tablet or injection?
- Do you have insurance?
- Will you send updates while we are away?
Listen for specific examples rather than general promises, and ask each candidate the same core questions so you can compare fairly.
Checklist before you post your pet sitter job
Take ten minutes to decide the following — it makes your request on AvailJob clearer and your interviews faster:
- Schedule: Which days and hours do you need, and how much flexibility can you offer for evenings or weekends?
- Duties: Which of the duties above are essential, and which are “nice to have”?
- Budget: What gross pay can you offer, and have you allowed for employer costs in Canada?
- Start date: When must your pet sitter start, and is there a trial period?
- Household details: Children, pets, allergies, languages spoken at home and anything a candidate should know before applying.
- Location and transport: Where in Ottawa you are, whether parking or public transport is nearby, and whether a car is provided.
Red flags to watch for
Most pet sitters are honest, hard-working professionals, but it pays to be careful. Think twice if a candidate:
- cannot give references you can actually reach, or the references are only friends or relatives;
- is unwilling to complete a police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors);
- asks to be paid entirely in cash with no records, which can leave you exposed as an employer in Canada;
- has unexplained gaps or very short stays in previous roles;
- is vague about core duties of a pet sitter, such as feeding or dog walking.
Trust your instincts too. The right pet sitter should make your household in Ottawa feel calmer from the first week — if something feels wrong during the interview or trial, keep looking.
Tips for a successful placement
- Write down routines, food amounts and vet details.
- Arrange a meet-and-greet with your pet first.
- Leave spare supplies and medication.
- Agree emergency vet spending limits.
- Share access instructions securely.
Good working relationships are built in the first month. Regular, friendly feedback and clear boundaries keep a pet sitter motivated and help them become a trusted part of your household in Ottawa.
Pet Sitters near Ottawa
AvailJob also connects families with pet sitters in nearby province locations, including Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, London and Waterloo. If you live between two cities, check both pages — many candidates are happy to travel a short distance for the right family.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a pet sitter in Ottawa?
Pet Sitters in Ottawa typically earn C$20–C$33 an hour. Full-time, live-in, overnight and specialist roles cost more, and employers should budget for taxes, insurance and paid leave on top of gross pay.
How long does it take to hire a pet sitter in Ottawa?
Most families hire a pet sitter in 2–7 days. Specialist, live-in and senior roles can take longer, so start early if you have a fixed date.
What does a pet sitter do?
A pet sitter cares for dogs, cats and other pets at home — feeding, walking, playing and giving medication while owners are busy or away. Typical duties include feeding, dog walking, play and exercise and medication.
What checks should I do before hiring a pet sitter in Canada?
Complete a police information check (with a vulnerable sector check for roles with children or seniors), identity verification and reference checks. For this role also verify references from pet owners, insurance and a background check for house access.
Do I have to pay tax when I employ a pet sitter in Canada?
Employers deduct income tax, Canada Pension Plan (or Québec Pension Plan) contributions and Employment Insurance premiums, remit them to the CRA and issue a T4 slip each year.
Can I hire a pet sitter part-time in Ottawa?
Yes. Part-time is daily walks or drop-in visits. Agree a regular schedule so your pet sitter can plan other work around it.
Should I choose a live-in or live-out pet sitter?
A live-in pet sitter is house-sitting stays while owners travel. Live-out staff suit families with set hours and less space at home.
Can I hire a pet sitter from abroad?
Foreign caregivers may come through federal caregiver immigration programs or a work permit, which can require a Labour Market Impact Assessment and a specific employer.
Why use AvailJob to find a pet sitter in Ottawa?
AvailJob lets you post a free request, compare pet sitters with verified experience in Ottawa, ON and contact candidates directly, with local guidance on pay and employer rules in Canada.