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Why hire a
pet sitter?
When you must be away from home—say
for travel or an emergency—and don't want to leave your
pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If
you're like many pet owners, you ask a friend or
neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in
your pet's bowls. But is this what's best for your pet?
There's a good chance that your friends and neighbors
lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten
to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to
look after your pet while you're gone. So what is the
solution? Consider hiring a "pet sitter"—a professional,
qualified individual paid to care for your pet.
A pet sitter offers both you and your
pet many benefits.
Your pet gets:
- the environment he knows best.
- his same diet and routine.
- relief from traveling to and
staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals
(such as a boarding kennel).
- attention while you're away.
You get:
- happier friends and neighbors, who
aren't burdened with caring for your pet.
- the peace of mind that comes from
knowing that your pet is being cared for by a
professional.
- someone to bring in your newspaper
and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away.
- someone who will come to your home
so you don't have to drive your pet to a boarding
kennel.
- other services provided by most pet
sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.
Where do I
find a pet sitter?
Start with a recommendation from a
friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, or dog
trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Sitting
Services."
What should I look for?
It's important to learn all you can
about prospective pet sitters' qualifications and
services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the
candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the
following:
- What training has the pet sitter
received?
- Will the pet sitter record notes
about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears,
habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
- 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 in-home grooming, dog walking, dog
training, and play time?
- Will the pet sitter provide a
written service contract spelling out services and
fees?
- If the pet sitter provides live-in
services, what are the specific times she agrees to be
with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?
- How does your pet sitter make sure
that you have returned home?
- Will the pet sitter provide you
with the phone numbers of other clients who have
agreed to serve as references?
Even if you like what you hear from
the pet sitter and from her references, 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, such as a weekend
excursion. 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,
experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven't
also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your
responsibilities:
- Make reservations with your pet
sitter early, especially during holidays.
- Ensure your pet is well socialized
and allows strangers to handle him.
- Affix current identification tags
to your pet's collar.
- 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.
- 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
Fluffy and Fido are doing.
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