Since the holidays are coming soon I thought an article about finding a pet sitter might help you enjoy your holiday away from home just a little better.
When you’re a dog owner there is a lot more to consider right before you go on vacation. It’s not just a matter of getting you and the kids ready to go, you also have to figure out what to do with your dog, if you are unable to take it with you.
One thing you can do is use a pet sitter. This is a great solution because your dog will get to stay in a situation where they are most comfortable. It is also generally less expensive than putting your dog in a kennel. You’ll also feel a lot better knowing right where your pet is.
There are many different people you can consider for the job of your pet sitter. Some friends and family members might want to take on the task. Even so, you need to find the perfect pet sitter so you can go on your vacation with an easy and relaxed mind.
So, how do you find that elusive and perfect sitter? These ten things come to mind:
1. One of the best ways is to get referrals from friends and family members. If someone has had a good experience with a dog sitter in the past then chances are good that the person will be a good bet for you now.
2. Whether you manage to find a good referral or not you’ll definitely want to take the time to interview the person. That way you’ll get to see how they are around your dog and whether or not you like their personality. It’s important that your dog feels comfortable around the person.
3. A good pet sitter will also want to know a lot about your dog before they take on the job. They will ask a lot of questions so that they know exactly what to do before you go away. If the potential sitter does not ask any questions you’ll know that they just are not qualified for the job.
4. There are some pet sitting associations out there like Pet Sitters International or National Associations of Professional Pet Sitters. If your potential sitter is a member that is a good indication that they are serious about their pet sitting. Don’t rely on these criteria alone because the associations may not be familiar with their personal style.
5. You should ask for client references. If they are an experienced pet sitter then they should have a list of people you can contact to see how they would rate their experience.
6. You can also get bonding and insurance. This doesn’t relate directly to making sure your pet sitter is the right one, but it can protect you in case of theft or damage. That alone can help to put your mind at ease while you are away.
7. In addition to all of the thorough checking you have done, you will need to review their contract. There definitely needs to be a contract in place because that guarantees that everything is clearly, and legally, spelled out for both of you. Their contract will also tell you how much their services are.
8. It’s important for you to then arrange a second visit. This is a time where the two of them need to be alone for a short amount of time so you can see if there are any problems that pop up. When you return you can look at your dog’s reaction to see if they had a good time or if they seem scared.
9. Above all, listen to your instincts. If you have an uneasy feeling about a person then you should never hire them. If you feel like the potential pet sitter will be great, then by all means hire them if everything else checks out.
10. The very last thing you need to do is leave instructions for your chosen sitter when you leave. This should include the phone number where you can be reached on your trip, emergency friends or family to call, and the vet’s name and umber.
It can seem like a lot to handle, but if you go through these guidelines you will be making sure that your pet sitter is the best one for the job. When you’re making travel plans make sure choosing a great pet sitter is part of them.
This article was taken from http://poochdogs.com and modified by New York Dog Nanny.
