Yes, it’s true – some cruise ships allow pets onboard! This means if you are a professional pet sitter searching for a change of scenery, pet sitting on a cruise might be for you. If you want to increase your chances of getting a pet-sitting job on a cruise ship, in addition to experience, you must have a polished appearance, excellent references, and an associate degree, at the very least. A background in veterinary science is a definite plus.
Pet sitting jobs on cruise ships can be found on luxury cruise lines, specifically Cunard Line. Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 is 100% pet friendly. It even has a “Pets on Deck” program. According to the official Cunard Line website, the POD program includes a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat. Queen Mary 2’s kennel program is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship’s 12 spacious kennels.
As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:
-extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
-healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh
daily and offered at bedtime
-fleece blankets
-assortment of dog and cat toys
-cat posts and scratchers
-selection of premium pet foods from top brands.
Guests of Queen Mary 2 pay a pretty penny to bring their pooches onboard, so they expect only the best service, attention, and pampering for their prized pets. Guests pay anywhere from $300-$500 extra to travel with their pets. Cunard Cruise Line’s pet friendly policy dates back to 1840.
If you think you have what it takes to become a pet sitter on Cunard Line, visit Cunard Line’s employment page at www.cunard.com/hr/default and follow the prompts.
Cruise Ship Job Perks
Cruise ship employees enjoy more than free travel to exciting destinations. Cruise ship employees receive free accommodations and meals, health insurance, and free air travel to and from the ship. In addition to perks and health benefits, pet sitters on cruise ships earn a competitive salary of $20,000+ per year.
Note: To locate other cruise lines that may have a pet friendly policy, visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the site, visit the website and search around for job postings or information about pet policies. You can even call if want a quick response.