Your canine or feline companion is a loved and valued part of the family. Therefore, the decision to leave them in the care of a stranger isn’t taken lightly. You want someone that will understand your pets’ needs and ensure that they are well looked after in your absence.
Unless you have a trusted friend or family member that you are comfortable with, hiring a pet sitter is your best option. People in this business are professionals. They are typically trained in administering first aid and CPR to animals and are knowledgeable enough to know when a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.
Here’s what you can anticipate from a pet sitter and how to choose the right one for Buddy or Bella.
How it works
Pet sitters will come to your house to spend time with your dog, cat or other animal when you’re away from home. Essentially, they are there to make sure that your pet has food, water, exercise, and companionship.
This allows your feline or canine to remain in the comfort of the family home and eliminates the potential stress they may feel if they needed to be boarded in an unfamiliar environment. Having a pet sitter at the house also means that the day-to-day order of things won’t change for your kitty or pooch. They will continue to have their meals at the regular time and enjoy the same nap times in their own bed or favorite chair.
You can rest assured that your pet is getting top-notch care and all the attention they crave. When engaging in play time, cuddling on the couch, and receiving praise and treats from a new friend, they won’t be quite as lonely for your company.
The basic services
Expect that your pet sitter will, basically, fill in for you when you’re gone. In addition to feeding your furry friend and keeping up with grooming or brushing, they will make sure that your pet’s daily needs for exercise and stimulation are addressed.
If Fido is used to a morning and evening walk around the neighborhood or Fluffy loves chasing the catnip mouse when it’s thrown across the floor, these are the activities you can ask of a pet sitter. In short, quality time caring for your feline or canine involves a range of responsibilities.
Beyond minding your cat or dog, many pet sitters offer additional services such as watering house plants or bringing in your mail. This can certainly be a plus if you want your dwelling to appear lived in for security reasons.
Where to look
Begin your search for a reputable pet sitter by asking the people in your circle who have animals or are in the pet business. It’s a good bet that your veterinarian or a local dog trainer can make a recommendation. Of course, you can reach out to friends, neighbors, or family members to find out if they’ve used a good pet sitter.
Although listening to the advice of people you know is always a helpful place to start, it’s a good idea to do some of your own homework, too. Explore any websites for pet sitting companies in your area. See what they offer and read the reviews.
Would you believe there is both a national and international organization of pet sitters? These can be excellent resources to find a professional in your community.
Questions to ask
Armed with a little information, you can then formulate a few questions to put to the sitters you want to know more about. Chances are, people will be willing to come to your home for an interview and this can be a great way to assess how your animal responds to them.
Alternatively, you may choose to talk to them over the phone. Following is a list of good questions to put to any prospective pet sitter.
- Tell me about your experience with dogs or cats.
- Do you have pets of your own?
- Can you show me proof that you have liability insurance and are bonded?
- What training have you taken?
- What specific services do you provide?
- How long will you spend with my pet on a daily basis?
- When walking my dog or taking them to a dog park, will they be alone or do you pick up dogs from other clients, too?
- How much time will you spend outdoors with my dog?
- How would you handle an emergency involving my pet?
- Are you able to take my pet to the veterinarian if they need immediate medical attention?
- Can you provide testimonials from other clients?
- Do you have a backup plan if you are sick and unable to care for my pet?
In closing
Remember, when you’ve decided which pet sitting service to go with, it’s always a good practice to have the agreed upon terms in writing. Many professionals in the business will have contracts.