Tips on Choosing a Pet Sitter

Hey Everyone!

With the holidays swiftly approaching, it's likely that your pets will need someone to care for them while you're away.  I asked Leslie Ray of Angel Pet Sitters if she would make some recommendations on what to look for in a pet sitter and when to choose a pet sitter.  I hope you find her tips helpful!

Let Your Pets Stay Home This Holiday Season!

Contributed by Leslie Ray, owner, Angel Pet Sitters

When to choose a pet sitter

Some pets enjoy traveling, but some don't. And, while socialized pets do well being boarded, pets that haven't been well socialized are often better off at home. In general, pets are more comfortable sticking to their routine--they're less likely to stress.

Professional in-home pet sitting is an excellent alternative for pet owners who can't take their pets with them and are reluctant to board their pets. With a pet sitter, your pet can relax, eat its own food, play with its own toys, and sleep in its own bed...all in the comfort of home. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad can travel and have peace of mind, knowing their pet is being well cared for.

If your pet requires medication, or has special needs, using a professional pet sitting service is the way to go. Their services are customized for each client. Does your pet appreciate one-on-one time? Your pet sitter will be happy to play with your pet or cuddle--whatever your pet enjoys. (It's a pet sitter's favorite part of the job!) If your pet needs to be medicated, the pet sitter has experience in administering pills, liquid medications, and even insulin shots. Their primary concern is for the safety and well-being of your pet. 

What to Look for in a Pet Sitter

Choose a sitter who has experience. Ask for references and ask whether or not they are insured. If the company you choose has more than one pet sitter, ask if they are bonded, as well. It helps to know that the professional pet sitter you hire has an affiliation with a national pet sitting organization, that they have received pet first aid training, and that they make an effort to keep their pet care knowledge current.

Be sure to find out if the professional pet sitting company you choose will assign only one sitter to care for your pets, or if they will send different sitters. If you are comfortable with different sitters, that's fine. Some clients prefer to have only one sitter assigned to the care of their pets. This ensures that only one person is responsible for the client's pets and home, and that the pets will be able to bond with their sitter more easily.

Before your pet sitter starts providing service, you will need to meet the sitter and the sitter will need to meet you and your pets…this is usually called a meet and greet, consultation, or registration visit.  The meet and greet will generally take from 30 minutes to an hour (possibly a bit longer if there are special needs pets involved, or if it is a household with many pets). The sitter will have you fill out a contract and will ask many specific questions regarding the care of your pets, in order to provide personal service. Try to arrange for your meet and greet to take place just a few days before your departure. Your pets will be more likely to remember the sitter when he/she returns to provide care.

Pet sitting rates vary, but professional pet sitting companies usually have competitive rates. Beware of pet sitters that price their services too low. They may not have the experience that their competitors have. In addition, they will not be able to stay in business if they under price their services. You will want to hire a service that can provide care for your pets for years to come.

In addition to providing pet care, most pet sitting companies include certain services at no extra charge, such as: administration of medication, bringing in the mail, putting trash curbside and bringing cans back in, rotating lights and window coverings to give your home a lived-in look, leaving the radio or TV on, watering indoor potted plants, refilling bird feeders. (Each company has its own policies with regard to free services, so be sure to ask.)

Choose your pet sitting professional wisely, and you and your pets will benefit. A good pet sitter will listen attentively to your needs and will do what it takes to ensure that your pet is well cared for. Most pet sitters love their job because they love animals. Although they must make a living, the companionship of your pet is the best reward.

For more information about Leslie and Angel Pet sitters, visit her website!