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Community Corner

How to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter

One must consider various factors when recruiting a pet sitter.

Last week we discussed how to find and screen boarding kennels if you are traveling for the holidays. But if your pet is anything like my dog, a boarding kennel probably isn’t the best option.

I have a 90-pound black Labrador who is afraid of other dogs (even puppies scare him … how embarrassing!), and he is easily stressed out in new situations. So when I am traveling and reluctantly have to leave him behind, I always choose the pet-sitting option.

There are many benefits to hiring a pet sitter to watch over your furry family members while you are away. The biggest benefit in my eyes is that pets are just naturally happier at home and won’t experience as much stress. Animals are creatures of habit, just like us, and they don’t like to have their diet and exercise routines interrupted. Plus, pet sitters add peace of mind because they can also check your mail, water plants and make sure that everything in your home is running smoothly.

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I’m lucky enough to have family and friends who are able to stay with my guy, but not everyone has that option. There are so many pet sitters offering their services that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Hopefully these tips and tricks will make your search a little easier.

Picking the right pet sitter

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Finding the right pet sitter will take some time. The best way to start is to ask friends, family or your veterinarian if they have a trusted sitter. You also can do a quick Google search to find sitters in your area.

Make sure the sitters you are considering belong to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International, organizations that offer accreditation to businesses that demonstrate proven experience. NAPPS also has a online resource for searching for sitters in your area:

Consider what you are looking for and need in a pet sitter: How many hours will he or she need to be at your home, and do you need them to stay overnight (which usually costs more)? Does your pet need any special medication? If so, will the pet sitter be able to administer it? Does the sitter have transportation in case of an emergency? Do they have a good rapport with your pets, and do they have pets of their own?

Once you have chosen some sitters that will suit your needs, consider the following tips for conducting interviews:

  • Ask for written proof of commercial liability insurance (in case of an accident or negligence) and bonding (to protect against theft by the pet sitter).
  • Ask for third-party credentials that verify the sitter has a clean criminal record.
  • Find out how much training and experience the sitter has.
  • Ask if the sitter is affiliated with a local veterinarian who can take care of your pets in case of a medical emergency.
  • Ask about a back-up plan in case the sitter cannot visit your pet due to illness, bad weather or another reason.
  • Ask for a written contract that outlines all services, fees and the expected amount of time the sitter will spend with your pets.
  • According to PSI, the average visit from a pet sitter to care for one dog lasts about 30 minutes. If you’d like the sitter to stay longer or overnight, ask if that is possible.
  • Ask for references from several previous clients, and be sure to call each reference.
  • Before you sign any contract or agree to any services, make sure the sitter will come to your home and meet your dog before you leave town. Ask if there is an additional charge for this initial meeting.

After you find the right sitter for you and your pets, there are some things you should do before you pack your bags and head out the door:

  • Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities.
  • Make sure that you leave contact information for where you will be, and leave your veterinarian’s information as well. You should also leave information about nearby emergency clinics.
  • Make sure your pet is up on its vaccinations. Also be sure to leave copies of your pet’s health history, in case a trip to an unfamiliar vet is necessary.
  • Let the sitter know if your pet has allergies or any other health issues.
  • If your pet is on any medication, write out instructions and show the sitter how to administer it.
  • Be sure to have all your pet’s food, vitamins, medicine, treats, leash and toys stocked and available to the sitter.
  • Make sure your sitter understands and can accommodate any quirks in your pet’s behavior.
  • Write out your pet’s usual daily schedule, and ask the sitter to follow it as much as possible.
  • Make sure your pet is wearing current identification tags and is microchipped.
  • Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other’s phone numbers.
  • Show the pet sitter your home’s important features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Once you find a good pet sitter, be sure to contact them early so they can set aside the dates. This is especially important around the holidays, when pet sitters are in higher demand.

Finally, enjoy your trip, and leave with the peace of mind that your pets are in good hands. And remember to bring your pet sitter’s phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to check in to see how your pets are doing!

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