Learn where to find a pet sitter! Many pet owners are turning to sitting services when they need to travel.
Pets come in many shapes and sizes, and most statistics say that well over half of American households have some form of finned, scaled, feathered or furry family member. Travel for business and pleasure can pose several issues for pet lovers. Do you make arrangements to have your pet accompany you, or find someone to provide care and companionship while you are away?
Travel with pets can be difficult. Many hotels and resorts do not welcome four-legged visitors. Also, travel can be traumatic and confusing to many animals. In the past, people often left their pets in the care of friends or family members. In some cases, this works well and is the best-case scenario for both owner and animal. However, in our mobile and busy society, many people do not live near someone who is able and willing to care for their pets. Or perhaps they do not wish to burden friends and family who already have crowded and busy lives.
For many reasons, more pet owners are turning to Petsitting Services. These qualified professionals will visit your home on a daily basis to provide care for your pet. Some services will also perform other tasks such as bringing in mail and caring for plants.
Benefits to using a petsitting service include:
* Your pet can stay in the comfort and security of your home
* You do not have to burden family or friends
* If you use a service repeatedly, your pet can form a trusting relationship with the care provider, which alleviates some of the anxiety caused by you being away
It is important to choose a petsitter who best meets the needs of you and your pet. Fees and services provided by sitters vary greatly. The first step is to research and locate petsitters in your area, and do some comparison shopping.
Ask your veterinarian and other pet owners for referrals. Look in your local yellow pages. Contact the National Association of Professional Petsitters at 202-393-0366 for help locating sitters in your area. Do online keyword searches under "petsitter" and you'll find a plethora of general information and links to resources for locating a qualified professional.
Make arrangements to meet with sitters you are considering. More importantly, provide them with the opportunity to meet with your pet. Observe the sitter's comfort level with your animal as well as your pet's behavior with him or her. Your information-gathering will be very important, but perhaps nothing will tell you more than your pet's reaction to the individual. Petsitters should be able to provide you with references, so ask for them and take the time to contact the individuals listed.
During your meeting with the petsitter, ask questions that will allow you to learn the following information:
* For what type of animals does the sitter normally provide care? There's a big difference between the care required by a parrot and a dog. Some sitters provide services for all animals, and others deal specifically with dogs, cats, or smaller pets. Ask for references from individuals who have the same kind of pet as you.
* How long has the petsitter worked in this profession?
* How has the sitter handled veterinary or other emergencies that may have cropped up in the past?
* Does the sitter provide additional services such as bringing in mail or caring for plants, or will you need to also make arrangements for these things?
* Is the sitter accessible by phone so that you can check in on your pet while you are away?
* Is the sitter bonded? Does the sitter have commercial liability insurance coverage?
Even more important than your questions to the sitter is the information he or she requests from you. The type of questions the sitter asks will show you how thorough he or she is in providing services. Your sitter should request the following information:
* The contact information for your veterinarian
* Your pet's medical history, which includes verifying that your pet is up to date on vaccinations
* A rundown of your pet's daily routine and general habits. When is he fed and taken out for exercise? What treats are acceptable and what is off-limits? Are there rooms in your home where your pet isn't allowed to venture? Where are your pet's favorite hiding places? Are there special toys that provide comfort and security to your pet? If your pet is a dog, is he used to walking on a leash?
* Are there special issues the sitter should know about? Is your pet a chewer, or has he ever showed aggressive behavior? Is he prone to changes in bowel habits or destructive behaviors when upset?
Once you have chosen your sitter, there are things you can do before leaving to make the experience a pleasant one for all involved. These include:
* Leaving your veterinarian's contact information handy, as well as information on how to reach you while you are away
* Make sure you have left plenty of food, treats, litter or whatever else is necessary for your pet's care. Buy enough for three or four days beyond your anticipated return, in case of unexpected delays.
* Pet-proof your home and close off any "off-limits" rooms.
* Inform your neighbors that you have hired a petsitter, so they will not be alarmed to see a stranger entering your home.
Choosing a pet sitter and preparing for his or her time with your animal is time-consuming. But you are entrusting this person with your home and your beloved pet, and perhaps building a business relationship that will serve you for many years. It is certainly worth the effort.
