Skip to Content
Pet Articles: Training

The Grandparent’s Guide to Pet Parenthood

So, your kid has a (fur) baby and they need a pet sitter. We’ve got you.

Back to All Articles
image of cat in potted plant

Are you one of the millions of new Pet Grandparents anticipating the pitter patter of new paws? You’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans become Pet Parents! In 2020, pet parenthood rose from 67% of households to an all-time high of 70%, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Millions of Pet Parents = millions of Pet Grandparents — and there may come a time when your kid is going on a trip and needs you to sit for your new granddog or grandcat. If the thought makes you nervous, it’s OK! This guide will help you get up to speed so you and your new grandpal have a paw-tastic experience together.

This guide covers the basics of pet-proofing your home and managing separation anxiety as well as some essential skills, like how to coax your grandcat out from under the sofa, and how to burn off your granddog’s energy (when you have none). Before you know it, you and your new grandpet will be bonding over the best moments in pet grandparenthood — cuddles, treat time, walkies, lap naps, and laser pointer chases!

Articles in this guide:

The Grandparents Guide to Pet-proofing 

Managing Separation Anxiety When the Pet Parents Are Away

Yes, You Can Coax Your Grandcat Out from Under the Couch 

Best Activities for When the Grandpup Has Lots of Energy … But You Don’t