How to Find a Sitter for your Dog
Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a
time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation
where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave
your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find
a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available?
How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of
the many questions that you need to answer before you hire a pet
sitter.
You have two main options of where to leave your pet when you
are away. You can take them to a boarding kennel or you can hire
a pet sitter. By hiring a pet sitter it means that your dog will
stay at your home and a pet sitter will visit your home several
times per day to take care of your dog. The following questions
and answers are geared toward those pet owners that decide to
hire a pet sitter to take care of their dog.
Question #1: Where do I find a pet sitter? You can find a pet
sitter through a number of means. Consult your veterinarian,
groomer, and breeder for recommendations. Often times they know
of a reliable pet sitter in your area or they can point you in
the direction of pet sitter services. You can also check with
your friends and family to see if they can refer you to a pet
sitter. Word of mouth referral is a common way to find a pet
sitter.
You can also take a trip to your local pet store or a chain pet
store such as PETCO. Many pet sitters advertise their services
at these places so you can find their contact information. The
pet store owners and staff may know of a great pet sitter as
well.
Another option is to call Pet Sitters International at (800)
268-SITS or check out their website at http://www.petsit.com/.
Pet Sitters International is the world's largest organization of
pet sitters. Pet Sitters International is highly respected
organization. They offer a multitude of services including
finding a pet sitter based on your zip and giving advice on how
to prepare your home for the pet sitter.
Also spend time researching information about the National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters by calling them at (800)
296-PETS. You can peruse their website at www.petsitters.org.
Not only can you find a pet sitter based on your zip code, but
you can find a "certified" pet sitter. They offer a
certification program that ensures a pet sitter is knowledgeable
about business management, animal care, and animal health
issues. This type of certification can be a comfort in the event
that your dog has a health problem.
Question #2: What type of tasks does a pet sitter do for you and
your pet? A pet sitter is there to provide comfort, help, and
care for your dog while you are away. They will visit your home
on a daily basis to feed your dog, take them for walks, and let
them out to go the bathroom. They can help your dog with any
health ailments or continuing care such as medicines while you
are away.
A pet sitter needs to be informed if your dog has any
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special
needs. For example, your dog may be elderly and blind or deaf.
Your pet sitter must know this so they can properly help your
dog. Or your dog may be just a puppy and require more exercise
then most dogs. Let your pet sitter know and they can increase
the frequency of visits each day. The pet sitter should be able
to work with your needs.
Your pet sitter will also take the responsibility of taking your
dog to the vet if an accident occurs or the need arises. You
need to let your pet sitter know how you want them to handle
these types of situations and how to contact you in the event
that this happens.
Question #3: How do I find the "best" pet sitter for my dog?
Only you can determine the best pet sitter for your dog. Follow
the same procedures you would as if you were hiring a babysitter
for your children. Check out their references, interview them,
and inquire about past work history. How do they interact with
your dog? Speak to former or current clients to determine if
they are right for you.
Also make sure the pet sitter has been certified and/or bonded
and insured. Your dog's life is priceless so you definitely want
a serious professional pet sitter to take care of your pooch.
Question #4: How much does a pet sitter cost? The cost of a pet
sitter varies based on their experience, your location, the
number of dogs you are leaving, and the level of care you need
for the dogs. Some pet sitters charge on a per visit basis while
others can work with you to determine a reasonable price. Make
sure to have their scope of services and fees in writing. This
will safeguard you against any miscommunication.
Question #5: How should I prepare my home and dog for the pet
sitter? First of all, your dog needs to meet and get to know the
pet sitter before you leave town. Have the pet sitter visit a
few times until your dog is comfortable with their presence. You
don't want to leave and suddenly have a new person show up to
take care of your dog. Your dog may confuse the pet sitter for
an unwanted stranger.
Provide emergency numbers of your veterinarian and also a number
at which they can reach you. You want to make yourself available
by phone in case an emergency pops up. Make sure your home is
clean and the dog food bowls are clean. Speak with your pet
sitter about feeding, walking and other pet care procedures
first, but also leave all the directions in writing. Verify that
this is plenty of dog food for the length of time you will be
gone.
If you following these tips you will find the best pet sitter
for your dog and have a comfortable time on your trip knowing
your dog is in good hands.
About the author:
Katie, a lifelong dog lover, owns
http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog
lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog
training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, dog grooming,
dog books, dog products & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.
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