Professional Pet Sitters Week is celebrated between March 3rd and 9th to honor the hardworking professionals that care for our pets while we are away. The process of hiring a pet-sitter can be overwhelming for those who haven’t done it before. How can you find a sitter who is trustworthy? Do you have to set ground rules? What qualifications does someone need to do the job? What certifications should you ask about?
Consider getting advice from experts before you spiral out of control in panic and indecision. Four professional pet sitters across the country shared their thoughts on what pet owners should consider before inviting a stranger to their home to take care of their pet.
What is the difference between pet sitting and pet boarding?
Russell Hartstein is a certified dog behaviorist and trainer, and CEO of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles. He has more than 30 years’ experience with “happy dogs”.
Hartstein explains that “Pet boarding is often mistaken as dog boarding.” “But they are two completely different things.”
Pet sitters will come to your house to feed your dog and walk it while you’re away.
Our dog boarding is like a vacation for your pet. Hartstein says that the service includes daily private walks with your pet, as well as massages, games, and aromatherapy.
He continues to emphasize that spending time one-on-one with your dog is a crucial part of the equation and a duty for any potential pet sitter.
Make sure that the pet sitter is not just working on volume, but can also mimic your dog’s normal feeding, playing, socializing and sleeping routine.
Always ask for references
Kelly Kandra Hughes is a PhD that left academia to be a professional pet-sitter. She says it’s crucial to find someone who will love your animal as much as you.
Hughes advises: “Consider the references of a person before you hire them.” It will help you to find someone who will go the extra mile to make you and your dog feel comfortable with the whole process.
Hughes offers to come to the client’s house several times before the pet-sitting job so that she can get to know the pet and allow it to adapt to her presence. Hughes knows that for a pet-sitting experience to be successful, it must be easy and comfortable for all parties involved.
Hughes adds, “I encourage my new clients to do a Google search on me to better understand who I am.” When they see that I have a PhD, it gives them a feeling of relief. They know I am a responsible individual who will take good care of their pet.”
You need to find the perfect pet sitter for your pet
The X-factor is the way they interact with you and your animal. Alexandra Davis, her husband Ryan and their team of professional pet sitters have discovered that openness and trust are essential before you commit to a pet sitting service.
Davis says, “We make sure the fit is perfect from all sides.” “For instance, my husband prefers to care for pets who are in the process or have already been trained. In some cases, two stray dogs have been brought into the house just days before we arrived. We were not sure how to proceed. It was stressful for both us and our pets.
Establish ground rules and stick to them
Jeff Carbridge is an experienced dog trainer and walker. He also writes for DogOwner UK. Jeff wants pet owners to ensure that professional pet sitters have the proper certifications, references and reputation. They should also be insured, with a written contract in place.
Carbridge says that the ground rules he always includes in his contracts are very clear and make it crystal clear what both parties can expect. “Dogs must be well-trained, non-aggressive and have a good temperament.” When I pet sit, I want to feel comfortable with the dogs in their own environment.
Carbridge works with his clients to establish the ground rules he will follow during their relationship. “Sometimes it’s a willingness to sit with them and their pets before the sitting, and other times it’s not leaving them alone in the crate for the entire day. This is a horror I’ve heard from pet parents who have been let down. It is important to communicate your requirements and desired conditions in advance. This will reduce stress and ensure a positive experience for the pet sitter.
Additional Tips on Hiring a Dog Sitter
Certificates and Training
Ask about certifications and their training. Although not all pet sitters are trained, certifications by reputable organizations such as Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters can give you peace of mind. These certifications require a combination education and experience with pet care.
Insurance and Bonding
Verify that your pet sitter has insurance and is bonded. You are protected in the event of an accident or damage occurring while your pet sitter is at home. Liability insurance and bonds are usually provided by professional pet sitters to cover any unforeseen events.
Emergency Procedures
Talk to your pet-sitter about emergency procedures. They should be prepared for emergencies and have access to veterinary treatment. Make sure they know the phone numbers of your veterinarian and an emergency clinic nearby.
Communication
Set up a plan of communication with your pet-sitter. Regular updates with photos and videos can ease your mind when you’re away. If you prefer to communicate via text, phone, or email, make sure your sitter feels comfortable with this method.
Trial Run
Before a long trip, consider doing a test run with your pet-sitter. This will help your pet get used to the new caregiver and you can see how they interact with your pet while you are away.
Clear Instructions
Give clear instructions on how to care for your pet. Include feeding schedules and instructions for medication, as well as exercise routines and any peculiarities your pet might have. Your pet sitter will be able to care for your animal better if you give them more information.
Backup Plan
Make sure your pet sitter is prepared with a plan B in the event that they cannot complete their duties because of unforeseen circumstances. You can ask them to recommend a trusted sitter, or a boarding center.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment and cancellation policies should be discussed upfront. To avoid misunderstandings, make sure you are aware of the pet sitter’s rates, payment schedule and cancellation policy.
Respect privacy
Keep in mind that your pet-sitter is a trained professional. Respect their privacy, respect their boundaries and let them do their job. Mutual respect and communication are the foundation of a good working relationship.
You can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your pet by hiring a pet-sitter. Following these tips and performing your due diligence will help you find a reliable and trustworthy pet sitter that will take care of your pet just as much as you.
