Pet Sitter Tips

Posted in Blog, News on September 2, 2010 | leave a comment

With summer wrapping up and Labor Day weekend almost here, many of us are looking at that final summer getaway which may not include the family pet.

As you know, choosing a pet sitter is a big decision. You’ll be leaving your beloved dog in the hands of someone else and trusting them to visit your home, feed your dog, play with him, and know what to do if there should be an emergency, especially for those of us who have senior pets.

I’ve been lucky in the past when I’ve traveled using reliable friends, family or co-workers to watch Meeko for me, but there are those times when I’ve had to resort to other options. I was fortunate enough to have found the best pet sitter a couple of years ago when I moved to California..thanks Faith! So, I want to pass along some tips for you guys if you still haven’t found the best match for your pet.

So, how do you find the perfect pet sitter?

Check out these basic guidelines to finding a good pet sitter:

1. Ask around. If you have friends or family who pet sit or have used a pet sitter in the past, find out who they used and if they would recommend them. The advantage of using someone that is known to your friends and family is that this person comes with a built-in recommendation.

2. Check with your vet. Your vet sees a wide assortment of pets in your community. They also know many pet professionals. They may be able to recommend a good pet sitter. The same is true of your pet groomer and other people you see regularly for your dog’s care.

3. Check bulletin boards. Many pet sitters advertise on the bulletin boards at vet offices, pet groomers’ shops, dog supply stores and other pet-related businesses. This is a good way to make a connection with a pet sitter but it does not provide you with a recommendation about the pet sitter’s abilities.

4. Check your phone book for local pet sitters.

5. Check online for local pet sitters. Superpages.com often lists pet sitters (and other pet professionals) in local areas.

6. Check with Professional United Pet Sitters, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, and Pet Sitters International to find professional pet sitters in your area. Simply type in your area code or other information about your locality and they should be able to offer suggestions.

Ask before you hire -Once you have found some likely pet sitting candidates there are some things you should ask them before you hire them:

Is the pet sitter insured?
Can they provide references?
Make sure that you agree to the costs and what services are included; how many times per day will they be coming to your house? Will they be staying at your house?
Do they know first aid for pets?
Do they belong to any professional organizations such as a professional pet sitting group or other pet care group?

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