Benefits & Tips on Hiring a Pet Sitter

Last minute travel plans can be stressful enough, but finding some one to tend to your pet can add another level of stress. Unable to find a neighbor, family member or friend to take care of furry loved one and you don't like boarding your pet. Well, a pet sitter is a good option. So, what are the benefits to hiring a pet sitter?

1. Your pet gets to stay in the environment he or she is accustomed to while staying on his or regular diet & routine !

2. Traveling can sometimes be stressful on your pet. By hiring a pet sitter your pet does not have to stay at a kennel, in an unfamiliar place.

3. Your pet will get an over abundance of love, affection & attention.

4. You get a peace of mind knowing your pet is being cared for by a qualified professional.

5. Pet sitters sometimes offer more services then just walking, feeding & playing with your pet. Often times they will water your plants & pick up the mail.

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitter organization or has solid references. When hiring a qualified & reliable pet sitter to take care of pet what should you look for? Here are a few tips that will make the hiring process a bit easier.

1. 1. Are you bonded & insured? Hire a pet sitter that is bonded and insured. The bonding covers theft of property while under a pet sitter’s care and the insurance covers pet and home liability.

   2. Call & Interview! Once you have found pet sitters in your area the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone. Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles, or veterinary experience. Ask how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire about whether they charge extra during the holidays. Make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.

   3. Meet them in Person! Professional pet sitters always want to meet & greet you and your pet at your home prior to booking. This is important part of the step because it allows you to see how the pet sitter will interact with your pet and you can evaluate them in person. Remember pets are a good judge of character and will let you know if they are not comfortable. You can then explain your pets daily routine. You can tell a lot from someone body language and whether or not they are interested in what you are telling them and if they are taking notes or asking questions. 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.

   4. Voice your pets special needs. Make sure to tell the pet sitter about any special needs you pet may have, such as medications, illnesses or conditions or special dietary needs.

   5. Sign on the dotted line! Many pet sitters will have a contract for you to sign. But look it over carefully and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. If you are hesitant you can always sleep on it and get back to the pet sitter the next day. Make sure you understand their rate schedule, how many visits you can expect during your absence, and what provisions they have in place in case of an emergency with your pet.

   If you & your pet love what you hear & see then make sure you give the pet sitter your phone number to where you will be, your veterinarian’s name and phone number, and the name of a friend or family member who could also help during an emergency.

   

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