Can a Live-In Carer Look After a Pet?

Yes, 92% of live-in carers are happy to look after a pet. 85% would be happy with fish, 79% with cats, 76% with birds, and 73% with dogs, with snakes and spiders down at 29% acceptability.

Pets play a crucial role in our lives by providing companionship, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of well-being. Unsurprisingly, many people seeking live-in care services also own pets, and the ability to care for these pets can be a deciding factor when choosing a carer.

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PrimeCarers and Pet-Friendly Carers

PrimeCarers, a leading introductory care service, has found that most carers are more than willing to provide pet care. Our internal data has shown that up to 92% of carers are happy to look after pets. This is great news for pet owners, as it confirms that finding a carer capable of tending to your personal and pet care needs is completely feasible.

However, as with most things, the devil is in the details. Different carers may be comfortable with different types of pets. So, let’s break down what this 92% actually represents.

Caring for Different Types of Pets

The most commonly preferred pets among carers are fish, with 85% of carers willing to look after them. Following closely are cats and birds, suitable for 79% and 76% of carers, respectively. Dogs, as man’s best friend, were not too far behind, with 73% of carers being happy to care for them.

Among the slightly less common pets, rabbits still found favour with 74% of carers. Turtles and lizards came next with 58% and 42% respectively. Interestingly, even somewhat exotic pets like snakes and spiders were not out of the question. They were still acceptable to 29% of carers, showing that live-in carers’ pet preferences are diverse and wide-ranging.

Factors to Consider

However, as straightforward as this might seem, having a live-in carer care for a pet is not void of complexities. There are some significant considerations to keep in mind.

Carer Comfort and Wellbeing

First off, the comfort of the carer must be taken into account. Even if the stats suggest your pet is likely to find acceptance among carers, individual comfort levels and phobias can come into play. For instance, if a carer has an irrational fear of birds, they will not be suitable, regardless of the acceptability percentage.

Pet Care Responsibilities

Additionally, you must discuss the extent of pet care responsibilities expected. While most carers would happily feed and walk a pet, not all may be willing to do tasks like grooming, administering medication, or cleaning up pet accidents. These specifics of the job should be agreed upon beforehand.

Working Hours

Finally, the working hours of the carer can impact their ability to look after a pet. If a pet requires care or attention beyond these hours, it may conflict with the carer’s rest times.

In Conclusion

Yes, a live-in carer can look after a pet, with the majority quite happy. However, discussing the specifics before bringing a carer on board is crucial. The comfort and ability of the carer to meet your pet’s needs should be a top priority.

Remember, our goal is to provide care that not only looks after you but also considers the well-being of your beloved pet. After all, they are part of the family too!