How do I choose the best sitter possible?
It's important to learn all you can about pet sitters'
qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, talk
with them over the phone.
Find out the following:
What training has the pet sitter received and how long have
they been pet sitting?
Does the pet sitter take notes about your pet, such
as his likes, fears, habits, medical conditions,
medications, and routines? Does the pet sitter ask you to fill
out medical release forms and pet information forms?
Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can
provide emergency services?
What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble
or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?
Will the pet sitter provide related services such as
dog walking, dog training, and play time?
How does your pet sitter make sure that you have
returned home?
Does the sitter have references available to you?
Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter, it's
important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your
home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-
sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your
pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well,
start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a
short trip. That way, you can work out any problems before
leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer
periods.
How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?
Of course, even the most trustworthy and experienced pet
sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of
the bargain. Be clear with what you would like her to do. Here
are your responsibilities:
Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially
during holidays.
Tell the sitter if your pet is well socialized and allows
strangers to handle him or if your pet needs to be handled a
bit differently due to fears, etc.
Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar. Leave any
microchip information with the sitter.
Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care
responsibilities and emergency contact information,
including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
Leave pet food and supplies in one place and be clear where
the sitter can find what she may need to do her job properly.
Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than
planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and
give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers.
Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features
such as the circuit breaker and security system.
Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your
pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change—or you
just want to find out how your pets are doing.
It's important to learn all you can about pet sitters'
qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, talk
with them over the phone.
Find out the following:
What training has the pet sitter received and how long have
they been pet sitting?
Does the pet sitter take notes about your pet, such
as his likes, fears, habits, medical conditions,
medications, and routines? Does the pet sitter ask you to fill
out medical release forms and pet information forms?
Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can
provide emergency services?
What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble
or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?
Will the pet sitter provide related services such as
dog walking, dog training, and play time?
How does your pet sitter make sure that you have
returned home?
Does the sitter have references available to you?
Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter, it's
important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your
home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-
sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your
pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well,
start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a
short trip. That way, you can work out any problems before
leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer
periods.
How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?
Of course, even the most trustworthy and experienced pet
sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of
the bargain. Be clear with what you would like her to do. Here
are your responsibilities:
Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially
during holidays.
Tell the sitter if your pet is well socialized and allows
strangers to handle him or if your pet needs to be handled a
bit differently due to fears, etc.
Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar. Leave any
microchip information with the sitter.
Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care
responsibilities and emergency contact information,
including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
Leave pet food and supplies in one place and be clear where
the sitter can find what she may need to do her job properly.
Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than
planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and
give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers.
Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features
such as the circuit breaker and security system.
Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your
pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change—or you
just want to find out how your pets are doing.
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