Should You Feed Your Sitter? (A Very Real Housepawty Question)

Every now and then, a pet-parent asks the question we all tiptoe around like a cat on a tiled floor:

“Do we need to provide food for the sitter?”

Fair. It feels a bit odd not to. It also feels a bit odd to stock the fridge like you’re hosting Christmas. So here’s the Housepawty stance ... clear, calm, and with minimal drama.

The short answer: Nope. Not expected.

Housepawty sitters are professional humans and they’re responsible for their own meals. When you book a sitter, you’re booking care: routines followed, pets loved, home respected, updates sent, gates latched, plants still alive.

Meals are not part of the standard arrangement, even if it's the South African or the Pretoria-way!

The longer answer: But… kindness is allowed

If you want to offer what’s in the fridge, leave a few basics, or say:
“Help yourself to coffee/milk/bread/eggs,”
that’s a gratuity, not a requirement ... and it’ll be received with humble appreciation (and possibly a small happy tear over the oat milk).

Think of it like this:

• Not providing food = totally normal
• Offering a few basics = lovely
• Leaving a full menu + matching wine pairing = you’re a legend, but also… unnecessary

What about “Help yourself” vs “Please don’t”?

Both are fine. Truly.

Some households prefer a clear boundary: “Please bring your own food.”
Others are generous by default: “Anything in the fridge is fair game.”

Neither option offends a good sitter. (If someone gets weird about it, that’s… useful information.)

The best move: say it up front

The easiest way to keep everyone comfy is a simple line before the sit:

• Option A (boundaries, but friendly):
  “Just a heads-up: we don’t typically provide meals - please bring what you need.”
• Option B (generous, but clear):
  “You’re welcome to the basics in the fridge - tea/coffee/milk/bread. But no pressure.”

Housepawty rule of paw

Sitters don’t expect to be fed.
Pet-parents don’t have to feel guilty.
And if you choose to share a little something, it’s a sweet bonus — not an obligation.

Now go forth, book confidently, and may your pets be relaxed, your gates be locked, and your fridge negotiations be drama-free. 🐾