House Sitting and Pet Care in Denver: Total Care for All Pets — Not Just Dogs and Cats

Denver pet owners are increasingly embracing house sitting and pet care for all pets, not just dogs and cats. From tropical birds to reptiles and freshwater aquariums, every animal thrives best with consistent feeding, care, and environmental control — especially in Colorado’s unpredictable climate.

Professional house sitters ensure your home and pets stay safe, fed, and comfortable while you’re away — maintaining daily routines, managing emergencies like power outages or snowstorms, and complying with state and city laws about pet care.

Below is a complete guide to caring for birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, reptiles, and fish in Denver’s unique conditions.

1. Bird Care: Nutrition, Health & Climate Awareness

Feeding

• Parakeets & Cockatiels: 60–70% pellets, 30–40% chopped vegetables and fruits.

• Parrots (African Greys, Amazons): Mix of formulated pellets, nuts, and vitamin A–rich foods such as sweet potatoes and bell peppers.

• Finches & Canaries: Fine seed mixes, egg food, and fresh greens.

Because Denver’s humidity averages under 50%, house sitters should mist birds lightly or use a humidifier to prevent dry skin and brittle feathers.

Health Watch

Drooping wings, nasal discharge, or changes in droppings may indicate respiratory illness. Sitters should note any change in appetite or vocalization and contact an avian vet immediately.

Cage & Handling

Clean droppings daily; disinfect weekly. Keep cages away from vents and direct sunlight. Handle gently — smaller species perch on fingers, while parrots require slow, confident motion.

2. Rabbit Care: Diet & Environmental Control

Feeding

Unlimited timothy or orchard hay, ¼ cup fortified pellets per 6 lbs of weight, and leafy greens (romaine, dandelion, parsley). Avoid iceberg lettuce and sugary fruit.

Health

Rabbits are prone to GI stasis, a potentially fatal digestive slowdown. Signs include small droppings, lack of appetite, or tooth grinding. A sitter should act quickly — warmth, hydration, and a vet visit are essential.

Habitat & Handling

Clean litter boxes daily; disinfect weekly. Provide hide boxes and toys for chewing. Support hindquarters when lifting. During Denver winters, maintain indoor temps above 60°F; rabbits are sensitive to drafts.

3. Hamsters: Nighttime Habits and Stress Prevention

Feeding

Provide pelleted lab blocks and supplement with fresh vegetables and protein once a week. Avoid citrus and sticky foods.

Health

Watch for “wet tail,” sneezing, or overgrown teeth. Proper cleaning and a calm environment minimize illness.

Cage Care

Spot-clean daily, replace bedding weekly, and ensure the cage is secure — hamsters can squeeze through tiny gaps.

Handling

Handle after dusk, when they’re most alert. Scoop from underneath rather than grabbing.

4. Gerbils: Social, Burrowing Companions

Feeding

Gerbil mixes with grains and seeds, occasional fruit or veggies. Avoid nuts and fatty treats.

Health

Monitor for red nasal secretions (stress or illness), fur loss, or lethargy.

Habitat

Deep bedding (6+ inches) allows burrowing; clean half weekly to preserve scent. Never use glass tanks in direct sunlight — Denver’s altitude can quickly overheat enclosed spaces.

5. Guinea Pigs: Vitamin C and Clean Living

Feeding

Unlimited hay, fortified pellets, and daily vitamin C (from bell peppers, kale, or supplements).

Health

Check daily for crusty eyes, limping, or dull fur — potential signs of scurvy or infection. Guinea pigs are highly sensitive to temperature shifts; keep between 65–75°F year-round.

Handling

Support body weight with two hands. Avoid high surfaces or sudden noise.

6. Reptiles: Temperature, Humidity & Specialized Feeding

Feeding

• Bearded Dragons: 70% insects (crickets, dubia roaches) and 30% greens.

• Leopard Geckos: 100% insect diet (mealworms, crickets) dusted with calcium.

• Turtles: Pellets, leafy greens, occasional shrimp.

• Snakes: Frozen-thawed prey appropriate to size.

Habitat Management

Reptiles rely on strict heat and light regulation. Sitters must check thermometers and hygrometers twice daily. Denver’s arid air can dry enclosures — mist tropical species and maintain humidity per species guidelines.

Health

Look for incomplete shedding, loss of appetite, or sunken eyes — all signs of improper temperature or dehydration.

7. Fish: Tank Stability and Power Backup Awareness

Feeding

Feed small portions once or twice daily:

• Goldfish: Specialized pellets, occasional peas for digestion.

• Tropical fish: Flakes, frozen brine shrimp, or bloodworms.

• Betta fish: Protein-rich pellets, freeze-dried insects.

Tank Care

Check filters daily, change 10–20% of water weekly, and ensure heaters remain functional.

Power Outages

Power disruptions are common during Denver blizzards or summer storms. Without power:

• Use battery-operated air pumps for oxygenation.

• Wrap tanks in blankets to conserve heat.

• Avoid feeding if water filtration is off for over 12 hours — uneaten food worsens ammonia buildup.

8. The Colorado Climate Factor: Why House Sitting Matters

Denver’s semi-arid climate and high elevation (5,280 ft) create unique risks for unattended pets:

• Rapid temperature swings: 70°F afternoons can drop to freezing nights.

• Power outages: Sudden snowstorms can cut power to heating, aquariums, and reptile habitats.

• Low humidity: Can dry bird feathers, reptile skin, and small mammal respiratory passages.

A professional house sitter mitigates all these risks through daily monitoring — adjusting thermostats, refilling humidifiers, and ensuring all enclosures remain stable.

9. Legal & Safety Regulations for Pet Owners in Colorado

Under Colorado Revised Statutes §18-9-202 (Animal Protection Act) and Denver Municipal Code 8-131, pet owners must provide adequate:

• Food and water

• Ventilation and shelter

• Temperature control

• Veterinary care when needed

Failure to do so — even while away — can result in fines or animal welfare citations.

Leaving animals unattended without proper provisions or in extreme weather can be considered neglect. For example:

• Reptiles or birds left in unheated homes during winter can suffer hypothermia.

• Power outages without a caretaker to restore heat or oxygenation can violate animal welfare standards.

Denver Animal Protection (DAP) also recommends in-home monitoring or sitter check-ins every 24 hours for exotic pets and small mammals.

10. Specific House Sitting Benefits During Power Outages and Severe Weather

1. Emergency Response: Sitters can quickly reset circuit breakers, start backup power, or use portable heaters.

2. Environmental Stability: Immediate temperature correction prevents shock or death in reptiles and fish.

3. Water Management: Sitters refill humidifiers and water bowls to counter Denver’s dry indoor air.

4. Regulation Compliance: Continuous care ensures owners remain compliant with state animal welfare laws.

5. Post-Storm Cleanups: Sitters can remove snow from vents, check roofs for leaks, and prevent water intrusion into pet enclosures.

6. Veterinary Access: If illness occurs during your trip, a sitter can transport pets to a vet without delay.

11. The Human Element: Peace of Mind for Multi-Pet Homes

For homes with diverse pets, professional house sitting offers unmatched peace of mind. Pets stay in their routines, receive individual attention, and avoid the stress of boarding facilities.

Additionally, a sitter ensures:

• Home Security: Occupied homes deter theft and package loss.

• Maintenance Oversight: Immediate reporting of water leaks, furnace failure, or broken filters.

• Emotional Health: Social species (guinea pigs, birds) benefit from daily interaction, while solitary pets (hamsters, reptiles) still receive stable conditions.

Top Denver-Area Exotic & Small-Animal Veterinarians

Clinic Name	Address	Phone	Specialty
VRCC Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital	3550 S Jason St, Englewood, CO 80110	(303) 874-7387	Avian, reptile, and exotic pet medicine
Homestead Animal Hospital	6900 S Holly Cir, Centennial, CO 80112	(303) 771-7350	Guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles
Belcaro Animal Hospital	5023 E Kentucky Ave, Denver, CO 80246	(303) 333-8800	Small mammals & general pet care
Alameda East Veterinary Hospital	9770 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80247	(303) 366-2639	24/7 emergency exotic animal care

FAQs: House Sitting and Pet Care for All Pets in Denver

Q1: Why should I hire a house sitter instead of boarding my pets?

A1: Boarding stresses exotic and small pets; in-home care maintains temperature, humidity, and routine — crucial in Denver’s fluctuating climate.

Q2: What happens if there’s a power outage while I’m away?

A2: A sitter can activate battery air pumps, cover tanks, use space heaters, or relocate temperature-sensitive pets until power returns.

Q3: Are there laws in Colorado about leaving pets alone at home?

A3: Yes. Colorado law requires continuous access to food, water, and climate-appropriate shelter. Extended unattended absences can constitute neglect.

Q4: How often should a sitter visit if I have reptiles or fish?

A4: At least once per day — more for species relying on heat or filtration systems. Denver’s dry air and power fluctuation risk demand daily checks.

Q5: What training should a professional house sitter have?

A5: Look for sitters with exotic-animal handling experience, references, and familiarity with Denver’s altitude-related pet care needs.