Professional Rabbit Sitter Seeks ‘Volunteer’ To Care For His Pets Due To Being ‘Fully Booked’

A professional rabbit sitter posted on a public forum, seeking someone to care for his two rabbits for free as he manages his fully booked schedule of pet-sitting jobs.

Short Summary:

• Rabbit sitter seeks unpaid volunteer care for his rabbits, Rain and Mari.
• Requests two-hour sessions every Saturday involving varied tasks.
• Highlights include the rabbits’ emotional backstory and care requirements.

In a surprising and somewhat controversial move, a professional rabbit sitter has reached out on a public forum to find an unpaid volunteer to look after his two rabbits, Rain and Mari. Describing himself as “fully booked” due to other pet-sitting commitments, the sitter nevertheless expects someone to dedicate eight hours a month to tend to his animals without compensation.

The post appeared on the subreddit r/ChoosingBeggars, where the sitter pleaded for help. He detailed the rigorous care routine required for his rabbits, which includes cleaning, disinfecting, playtime, grooming, and even cobweb removal. These tasks, he notes, must be performed during a two-hour session every Saturday.

“Still looking for a volunteer who would love to help out with my two rabbits, Rain and Mari,” the sitter wrote.

Despite this appeal, the post was met with mixed reactions. Users quickly pointed out the seemingly unfair nature of the request. According to data from Indeed, pet sitters in the U.S. earn an average hourly wage of $15.96, making the bunny sitter’s plea for unpaid help appear increasingly unreasonable.

Indeed, pet sitters could charge between $250 to $375 per week, depending on the services offered, as per a 2023 business guideline for the industry. The rabbit sitter, however, appears unwilling to offer any financial compensation for the service he needs.

There’s also a pivotal emotional backstory that the sitter shared regarding one of the rabbits, Mari. Mari was rescued by the sitter’s brother and soon after suffered the loss of her sibling, which led to depression and aggressive behavior. The sitter hoped this emotional appeal would resonate with potential volunteers.

“She was rescued by my brother and passed along with Mari’s brother, who sadly passed away shortly after coming home to us,” the sitter explained. “She loved him to pieces and became depressed with his passing.”

To address Mari’s distress, the sitter introduced another rabbit into their home — a move that backfired since Mari detests the newcomer. In his post, he emphasized Mari’s complex emotional needs, including her dislike for physical touch and potential for aggression if mishandled.

“She’s very happy living next door to him but doesn’t like physical touch from anyone or anything. Miss Independent Lady!”

While this story aims to paint Mari as a unique personality, it also underscores the difficulties a volunteer might face, particularly without the training or compensation that a professional pet sitter would receive.

Furthermore, the sitter outlines strict rules for potential volunteers. They must be over the age of 18 and are expected to sign contracts detailing their agreement to these unpaid terms. Despite the sitter’s assurance that someone would be home to assist if needed, this arrangement appears to be less than inviting.

“Someone is always home, so if any help is needed, you can ask them… I won’t be far, so happy to come help if need be,” the sitter said.

Critics argue that pet care — especially for animals with specific needs like Mari — should be compensated appropriately. The request not only undermines the value of such work but also sets a troubling precedent in the pet care industry. Various professionals, including those with Whiskers To Tails Petsitting, emphasize the importance of fair compensation.

Abby C., a seasoned pet sitter from Whiskers To Tails Petsitting, shared her views:

“Every bit of labor, especially one that involves emotional and physical engagement with animals, deserves fair pay. I understand the love for pets, but exploiting that love by demanding free service is quite unfair,” she said.

While the debate continues, this case highlights the complex dynamics in the pet-care industry, particularly around compensation and the perceived value of animal companionship. The expectation of voluntary service — especially considering the average compensation in the profession — seems out of touch, even in these challenging economic times.

The role of a rabbit sitter, or any pet sitter, extends beyond basic care. It involves understanding each animal’s unique needs, whether it’s giant-sized rabbits, large-sized rabbits, medium-sized rabbits, or small-sized rabbits. A professional service ensures that both pets and their owners have peace of mind during times of separation.

This incident should serve as a reminder of the integral role pet sitters play. Their work deserves recognized merit and fair compensation. If you are a rabbit owner seeking advice, expert tips, and a supportive community, consider visiting BunnyEat.com, the ultimate destination for rabbit lovers.