Pet lovers would love to bring their furry friends everywhere, but sometimes it is not possible. A pet owner may not have anyone who is willing or experienced enough to watch their dog or cat. That is when a pet owner needs to search for a reliable pet caregiver. The pet sitting industry has grown 9.97% from 2022 to 2023 and is expected to continue to rise. There may not be a shortage of pet sitters available, but a dog or cat owner still needs to know how to find a good one that fits well with their beloved animals.
This blog explains where to look for a pet sitter, the right questions to ask a pet sitter and how to prepare your pet and the animal caregiver for their time together.
Where to Look for a Pet Sitter
Ask neighbors, friends and relatives for referrals on pet sitters they have used in the past. In particular, ask the people who have dogs or cats that are similar in temperament and size to your own pets. Check out the animal caretakers that receive a glowing review.
Use websites such as Pet Sitter International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters if you do not personally have anyone to ask to suggest a trusted pet caregiver. Another option is to speak with your local veterinarian, humane society or grooming salon to see if any of their employees do pet sitting on the side or if they have contact information for local pet sitters.
Right Questions to Ask a Pet Sitter
Always interview face to face and watch how the potential pet sitter interacts with your dog or cat. Animals have good instincts about people. You want your pet to feel comfortable and happy with whom you let watch them. Choose a fitting animal caretaker for you and your pets with the right questions.
How Long Have They Been Pet Sitting?
Talk to the potential pet sitter about how much or how little experience they have in this job. Have them go into detail about the types of animals they have worked with before. Ask for past client references. An animal caretaker with lots of experience with a variety of pets may be a better fit if you have a difficult cat or dog. A pet watcher with less experience may be a good fit if your pet is easy.
What are Their Credentials?
A serious pet sitter has their business insured or bonded. Ask the potential dog or cat sitter if they see this job as a career or a side gig. Inquire if they have a certification in pet CPR and first aid training. Have they taken classes in or have knowledge of pet health and behavior? An older pet or one with health issues may need an animal caretaker who has these certifications. These individuals would know how to handle a pet emergency quickly and efficiently.
What are Their Personal Training Methods?
There are different ways to approach animal training and discipline. Choose a pet sitter who is similar in your own methods. This helps to maintain consistency and allows the animal to not get confused when commands are given. Ask the potential pet watcher about their training philosophy. Do they have any formal or informal pet training? What would they do if your pet snapped at them or had other behavioral problems? These questions give insight into how the potential pet sitter may treat your pet when they are alone.
Is There a Contract to Sign?
Speak to the potential pet sitter about whether they require you to sign a contractual agreement. Go over the specific duties they are willing to fulfill and if they are okay with doing anything extra. Speak to them about their daily rates and additional fees. Are these set numbers or is there room for negotiation? You may have to go a bit over budget for a qualified dog or cat sitter, but ensuring that your pet is well taken care of is worth it.
How to Prepare Your Pet and Pet Sitter
Write out a detailed schedule of your pet’s daily life. Cats and dogs are at their happiest when they stick to their comfortable routine. Have the pet sitter come over to lead them through the more complicated parts of the schedule, such as giving medication to the animal or how the pet’s food is prepared.
Show them where the toys, litter boxes and supplies are in the house. Demonstrate how to play your pet’s favorite games. Explain any rules of the house the cat or dog must adhere to, such as not getting on the couch, not eating people food or not biting their leash.
Leave your phone number and the phone numbers of a trusted neighbor, relative or friend in case an emergency happens and the pet sitter needs to contact someone. Write out the name and clinic of your vet so the animal caregiver knows where to take your pet if they need medical attention.
A nervous or high-anxiety pet may need the pet sitter to come over a few times beforehand. Have the animal caregiver take your dog for walks or spend time with your cat. Allow time for your furry friend to get accustomed to their new pet watcher.
Leaving Your Beloved Pet in Safe Hands
Inviting a person into your home and near your pet can be a little nerve-wracking. To ensure you hire the right person for the job, you need to know where to look and what to ask. Referrals and the right questions help to determine if the potential pet sitter is the correct fit for you and your pet.
Finding a trusted, reliable animal caregiver can add freedom and peace of mind to a pet owner. They are able to travel or go out on the town and know that their furry friend is happy and comfortable.
