Planning your next business trip or vacation? Consider using the services of a professional PetSitter to care for your animals while you’re away. PetSitters do much more than provide a pet with food and water while their owners are away from home.
A good PetSitter will spend quality time with your pets, giving them attention, exercise, and monitoring their general health and well being. PetSitters generally offer additional “housesitting” services, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, rotating lights etc.
But just because someone calls themself a PetSitter doesn’t mean they are qualified to do the job.
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PETSITTER?
A professional PetSitter is a qualified individual paid to care for your pet—offering both you and your pet many benefits, without the stress of a kennel environment.
While being cared for your home, your pet stays in the environment they know best and are most comfortable in.
PETS continue their regular diet and routine and get personalized attention while you’re away. OWNERS can feel secure knowing that their pet is well taken care of without burdening neighbors and friends with the responsibility.
Next time you travel, get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL PETSITTER
It’s important to learn all you can about a 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:
Can the pet sitter provide written proof of COMMERCIAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (to cover accidents and negligence) and is BONDED (to protect against theft by a pet sitter and/or employees)?
What experience and training does the PetSitter have? Are they members of professional organizations (ie PetSitters International?)
Is the PetSitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?
What will happen if the PetSitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Is there a backup?
Does the PetSitter provide related services such as dog walking, play time and waste pickup?
How will your PetSitter confirm that you have returned home?
A reputable PetSitter will always provide phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references.
Even if you like what you hear from the PetSitter and their references, it’s important to have them come to your home in advance of your trip to meet your pet and see the environment. Watch how the PetSitter 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.
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES:
The PetSitter should always ask for and note details about your pet…….. help by providing information about their likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines.
Make reservations 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. Make sure you have enough for to last the length of your trip.
Leave a local contact number: designate a friend, neighbor, or relative as a backup. Leave an extra house key with that person in case of emergency.
Show the PetSitter your home’s important safety features such as the security alarms, lights, and heat/water shutoffs
While you’re away, remember to bring your pet sitter’s phone number or email address in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing. If you have a Blackberry, ask if your PetSitter does as well.
