If you are a pet owner, you understand the struggle of wanting to take your pets with you everywhere but knowing that cannot always be possible. Our pets become such a huge part of our families and we want the best possible care for them when we are not able to be with them. This means making sure that they have a qualified pet sitter watching over them when we leave whether it’s for a brief period of time to run some errands, or a weeklong vacation. Here are some tips for choosing the right pet sitter for your home for the next time you need to leave them at home.
- First, decide if you are going with a company or an individual.
- Check websites like National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International for qualified pet sitters. For individuals, you can also check Fetch and Rover.
- If hiring a pet sitting company, are they insured?
- Ask your pet sitter candidate for at least three references.
- Do they have a guarantee or emergency backup plan if they are unable to care for the animal?
- Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for referrals of pet sitters in the local area.
- Set clear guidelines and expectations with your sitter. This includes any details on feeding, walking, and what they are allowed to do and not allowed to do in your home.
- Will they just be dropping in from time to time to let them out and feed them? Or will they be staying at the house?
- Ask the pet sitter to leave notes or send photos during the visits to see how the relationship is going.
- If you have a camera, look to see if they come at the desired times.
- Ask them if they are certified in Pet CPR and first aid.
- Ask them what type of animals/dogs have you worked with in the past?
- Does the sitter know who to contact in case of an emergency?
- Pre-interview your pet sitter candidate to see how they interact with your pets in person.
- Get a contract with a full list of their services, the cost, and number of visits it includes.
- Ask them why they became a pet sitter. Was it because they genuinely enjoy animals or, did they just want to make some extra side money?
- Will there be any other animals they will be taking care of at the same time? Or just your own?
- Get all the supplies together for the pet sitter (leash, harness, toys, food, litter, etc.).
- Be upfront about your pets’ flaws from the beginning. You want the pet sitter to be aware of any issues before taking on the job.
- Disclose any health problems or medications your animal is taking.