How to hire a Pet Sitter

You’re excited about going on holiday or attending a conference! BUT…what about the pets???

This is an issue most Pet owners face at some stage and is this week’s topic in All About Dogs.??

?Apart from copywriting I also do part-time Pet sitting. This is a wonderful way to be around dogs while I don't have a dog of my own. And the owners can go on holiday or business knowing their pets are safe and cared for. As well as being spoilt! I have wonderful human and Pet clients and have become friends with some of them. When you find the right pet sitter for your dog and other pets, it’s a win-win situation!??

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Dogs and other pets are an integral part of many households. However, there are times when you go away and can’t take pets with you. The options are usually boarding kennels or asking a neighbor or friend to care of them. If you can't bear the thought of your pet in a kennel or on his own the whole day, there is another option…hire a pet sitter!??

What does hiring a pet sitter mean??

When you hire a pet sitter the person will stay in your home and care for the animals during your absence. That is why you need someone you and your pets are comfortable with. The advantage is that the pets will remain in familiar surroundings, have someone to keep them company and keep to their familiar routine.??

However, you may have concerns about having someone live in your home. These are mainly about trust and peace of mind.?

• Will my pets be safe and well cared for while I’m away???
• Can I trust this person who will be living in my home to respect my privacy and possessions??

It’s worth it to spend time and effort to find a trustworthy pet sitter and build a long-term relationship with the person. That will mean peace of mind so that whenever you’re away from home you know your pets are well cared for, comfortable, and safe.?

So, how do you find this person??

Do your homework??

It’s not easy to trust your pets and your home to someone you’ve never met before. But there are ways to help you find the right person.??

• You can go through an organization specializing in pet sitting to hire a pet sitter who has been vetted and trained, or contact the National Association of Professional Petsitters NAPPS. However, this may not be practical if you live in a rural area. That means you must look for someone yourself.??
• The best way to find a pet sitter is probably through personal recommendation. Ask people who have used a pet sitter to recommend someone they were satisfied with. Your veterinarian may also be able to recommend a pet sitter.?
• Ask these pet owners questions like: How did the person get along with pets? How did the pets react to the person? On their return, was the house as they left it? Did the person do everything she promised???

Meet the pet sitter.?

This is very important. You, your pets, and the pet sitter need to be comfortable with each other. Start this process well in advance, a good pet sitter will usually be booked weeks and months ahead.??

• When you contact the recommended pet sitter, confirm the dates, and make sure she’s comfortable looking after your dogs, and any other pets. Some people prefer not to look after certain breeds of dogs, or only look after dogs and cats (in case you have reptiles or aggressive parakeets…)?
• Make an appointment to have the person come to your home to meet the dogs and any other pets. First impressions are important, particularly the pet sitter’s interaction with the pets and their reaction to the person. You want someone who has an affinity with dogs and other animals. And trust your dog's reaction - animals have a very keen sense of the way someone feels towards them.??
• During this meeting, you need to cover the basic routine like feeding, sleeping arrangements, and walking the dog, as well as other issues like medical problems a pet may have. It’s a good idea to have the prospective pet sitter present at feeding or walking session when she visits.??
• Ask whether the pet sitter will be able to handle an emergency and whether she’s comfortable giving the pet his medicines if applicable.?
• An experienced pet sitter would also ask questions, plus you need to agree on the fee and when it will be paid.?

Leave clear instructions.??

• You can hardly go overboard with the instructions. It’s a good idea to put it on paper, particularly if there are special diets, medicine, and other specific instructions.??
• Leave important telephone numbers like your own, and those of your vet, neighbors, or family. Don't forget other contact numbers - a plumber may suddenly be needed…?
• To avoid misunderstandings, be clear about the use of items like cable tv, WiFi, stoves, washing machine, as well as food. The pet sitter should bring her own food, although many owners leave basics like coffee, tea, and milk. To avoid confusion, be clear whether food like fresh products left behind is for the person’s use. And point out the bedroom and bathroom the pet sitter will use during the stay.??
• Make sure the pet sitter is aware of plants that must be watered, possible deliveries, when the rubbish is collected, and domestics or garden services.?

Communicate while away.?

• The pet sitter should always know how to contact you and be aware if there are times when you’ll be out of reach.??
• Owners often like to know that everything is going smoothly the first day and night they’re away – particularly if it’s the first time the person is staying with the pets. Pets often take time to get used to the new person looking after them, even if they know the person well. ?

• When things are going well, it’s sufficient to check in every few days. The pet sitter may even send photos of Brutus sitting on her lap!?

Build a long-term relationship.?

• Once you’ve found a reliable pet sitter that you and the pets are comfortable with, you can use the person whenever you are away from home. Your pets will be more comfortable if the same person stays with them. And you know you can trust this person in your home and with your pets.??
• Finally, accidents do happen, and if something does go wrong while you're away, be reasonable.?

Leaving your pets at home in familiar surroundings has many advantages. But it's important that you find the right pet sitter to stay with them. Once you have found someone reliable and trustworthy, you have the freedom to enjoy your time away from home. If things go well, your only worry may be that the dog seems to prefer the pet sitter to you…!?

Have you had good/bad experiences with a pet sitter? Do let us know in the comments.