0 Comments
30 Apr 10

REASONS TO CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PET ...

April 30, 2010
By Pamela Fitzpatrick of YourDogWalkers, shihtzu58@optonline.net

REASONS TO CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PETSITTER

Planning your summer vacation or next business trip? Pets are part of our family-it can be very stressful finding someone responsible to care for them if you can’t be there. Consider using a professional petsitter to watch your pet while you’re away.

A good petsitter will spend quality time with your pets, giving them attention, exercise, while monitoring their general health and well being. Petsitters usually include bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, rotating lights as part of their service –giving your house a “lived in “look.

But just because someone calls themselves a petsitter doesn’t mean they are qualified to do the job.

A professional petsitter is a qualified, experienced individual paid to care for your pet-dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small animals- in your home without subjecting your pet to the stress of a kennel environment.

By staying home, your pet remains in the environment they know best and are most comfortable in.

Pets continue their regular diet and routine and get personalized attention while you’re away. You can feel secure knowing that your pet is well taken care of without burdening neighbors and friends with the responsibility.

Next time you travel, get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional!

It’s important to learn all you can about a prospective petsitters’ qualifications and services. Before selecting a petsitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

  • Can the pet sitter provide written proof of commercial liability insurance? Are they bonded?
  • What experience and training do they have?
  • Are they members of professional organizations such as PetSitters International?
  • Is the petsitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?
  • What will happen if the petsitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Is there a backup?
  • How will your petsitter confirm that you have returned home?

A reputable petsitter should always gladly provide contact information for other clients as references.
Even if you like what you hear during the interview, it’s critical to have the person you choose come to your home in advance of your trip to meet your pet and see the environment. Watch how they interact with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If the visit goes well, you might want to start by hiring the petsitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in a sitter’s care for longer periods.

The petsitter should always ask for lots of details about your pet…….. You can help them by providing information about their likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Make reservations early, especially during holidays.
  • Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
  • Affix current identification tags to your pet’s collar.
  • Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
  • Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
  • Leave pet food and supplies in one place. Make sure you have enough for to last the length of your trip.
  • Leave a local contact number: designate a friend, neighbor, or relative as a backup. Leave an extra house key with that person in case of emergency.
  • Show the petsitter your home’s important safety features such as the security alarms, lights, and heat/water shutoffs

Remember to bring your petsitter’s phone number or email address with you when you go in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how everyone is doing. If you have internet access or a Smartphone, ask if your petsitter does as well.

Comments are closed.