Our pets are special members of the family who provide much support, laughter and joy. But that does not necessarily mean that we always want to take them on vacation with us! However, finding a dog or cat sitter is not that much different from finding someone to babysit one’s children—you need to know that the sitter you choose has your family member’s best interests at heart.
By hiring a professional dog or cat sitter, you are anticipating having a qualified person to see that your four-legged family member well cared for. In addition to the peace of mind a pet sitter brings you, there are also the following advantages for your pet:
• Being left in an environment in which they are comfortable
• Having their regular diet, toys and routine
• Grooming with familiar items
• Being able to stay in their own home rather than being in an unfamiliar kennel
For many pet owners, these are but a few of the reasons to hire a pet sitter. In fact, there are additional ways that a pet owner can benefit from hiring a pet sitter. Other aspects include an element of home security as there is someone coming and going (or perhaps even staying) in your home and collecting newspapers and mail; it is often less expensive to hire a pet sitter for your home than it is to pay for kenneling; and, many pet sitters are happy to do small jobs such as watering plants or taking any messages.
However, once the decision is made to hire a pet sitter, then it is time to begin the selection process. To help with that, here are some of the qualifications you will want to be sure that any potential dog or cat sitter will have, as well as some concerns you will want to address as part of the interview process.
• Can the dog or cat sitter provide written proof that they have commercial liability insurance and are bonded? This may sound extreme, but you are asking this person to come into your home. (The insurance will protect you in the event of any accidents or negligence and the bonding is to protect against risk of theft.)
• Has the pet sitter completed any training classes? If yes, which ones?
• Is the pet sitter willing to keep notes about your pet? This could include any fears, habits, medical conditions, medication taken, etc. that are a part of your pet’s behavior while you are gone.
• What actions will be taken in the event of an emergency? You will want to have a detailed list of instructions for the pet sitter to follow, along with access to any medical info, insurance card, vet name and any other pet related information available so that the dog or cat sitter can make an informed decision and answer any health questions should there be an emergency.
• What services does the pet sitter provide? Other than the obvious of feeding and walking Fido or combing Fluffy, does the pet sitter offer any other services?
• In the event of a personal emergency in the life of the pet sitter, does the pet sitter have someone who will be the backup pet sitter?
• Will they provide a written agreement of what their pet sitting services include? Be sure to read this carefully and make any adjustments you need based on your situation before you sign a contract!
• Can the potential pet sitter provide you with references that you can speak to about how they have handled previous pet care responsibilities?
These are just a few of the questions you will want to as part of a pet sitter selection process. Depending on your living situation, type or number of pets, or even your pet’s temperament, there may be other concerns you will want to address as part of the interview. Don’t hesitate to include them as part of the interview process. After all, you would not leave your children with “just anyone who loves kids” nor should you leave your animal family members with anyone who says they love animals.
You want to have a fantastic time away, where you are not anxious about leaving Fido or Fluffy with a pet sitter. A – 1 Pet Care has many years of pet sitting experience and we would love to get to know you and your pet better. If you have any questions regarding dog or cat siting services, give us a call. We are here to help!
