*CERTIFIED IN PET FIRST AID*
*REFERENCES UPON REQUEST*
Serving Forest City, Spindale and Rutherfordton.
I'm so glad to see you've made your way to the Furry Godmother... if you're considering booking a service with me, please spend a few minutes reading over the information below and elsewhere on the site. I hope it can answer most, if not all, of your questions about hiring a professional petsitter. Then, feel free to contact me if you wish to book a free consultation.
peace, Sara
All new clients recieve $5 off their total visit-
WOOHOO!!
*Benefits of petsitting*
For your pet:
*Reduced stress- your pet stays in its own familiar, secure environment.
*Diet and exercise- customary diet and exercise routines are followed with no interruptions.
*No "travel trauma"- some pets just don't like to travel and some do get car sick!
*Health concerns- with a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illnesses of other animals.
*TLC- most importantly, your pet recieves love and personal attention, never missing a head pat or belly rub when they need it!
For you:
*No need to transport pets.
*You don't need to
impose upon friends, neighbors or relatives, but will be relying on a
professional who will put your pet's needs first.
*Your home is made more secure by the crime-deterrent services provided by most pet-sitting services.
*Peace of mind- while you're away, you can feel confident that your pet is in capable and caring hands.
*FAQ's*
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pet sitter do?
Professional
pet sitters maintain your pet's routine by providing meals, exercise,
and playtime while your pet remains where he/she is most comfortable-
at home! They may also administer certain medications and perform
other pet-related duties. Some pet sitters also provide home services
such as bringing in mail, rotating lights and/or blinds, and watering
plants, to make your home looked lived-in. A professional pet sitter
provides peace of mind for everyone.
Why should I hire a professional?
Professional
pet sitters are just what the description implies: professional.
Professional sitters have the experience and training necessary to care
for your animals, including Pet First Aid and CPR. Many are insured
and bonded as well.
How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?
Preparation
can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pet when
the pet sitter comes to visit. Here are a few tips:
*Call your sitter well in advance of your trip to set up a Meet & Greet to insure your pet and the sitter are compatible.
*Make
sure you have completed all the necessary forms with all info. such as
a phone number where you can be reached as well as a local emergency
contact number.
*Provide
the pet sitter with a house key. If you wish to provide a garage door
opener, provide the sitter with a back-up key as well, in case of a
power failure. If you have new keys made, be SURE they work.
*Test
your alarm system, if you have one, and provide your sitter with both
the keypad code and the spoken password, in case of a false alarm.
*Clean litter boxes and food/water dishes and buckets before leaving home.
*Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you're not able to return when planned.
*Adjust
the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for your pet during your
absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in
a short time.
*Leave
a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service
or maintenance companies while you're away; i.e., plumber, electrician,
cleaning service, pool/yard service, etc.
*Tell the pet sitter of any areas in the home that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter.
What can I do to help my pet sitter take the best care of my pets?
Tell the pet sitter about all health problems your pet may have- past or present, major or minor.
Provide written verification that your pet is up to date on vaccinations.
Make sure your dog's collar fits, otherwise he may slip out of a too-large collar while being walked.
If
your dog isn't accustomed to walking on a leash, practice with him
before you leave. My policy is all dogs must be on a leash when being
walked.
Make
a list of your pet's favorite hiding places so the sitter won't worry
if your pet isn't where he's expected to be, and so the sitter will
know where to look.
Provide your own preferred method of flea control, if needed.
For
the safety of the pet sitter, if your dog growls or snaps during a Meet
& Greet, understand that the pet sitter may ask that you make other
arrangements for your dog's care during your absence.
Be
honest about your pet's quirks, i.e. a dog that is nervous about having
his leash put on, or a cat that does not like to be petted. The more
your pet sitter knows, the better equipped she is to care for your pets.
When is it not appropriate to hire a pet sitter?
Most
pet sitters are able to give your pet basic oral medication, and many
can administer insulin injections. Some pet sitters can give
subcutaneous fluids as well. If your pet is in failing health or
requires more intensive care, I suggest boarding your pet at your vet's
office, which can provide 24 hr. care.
If
your pet is aggressive or doesn't react well to visitors or strange
people entering your home, it would be best to board your pet.
If
your pet gets very destructive in your absence or suffers from severe
separation anxiety, they may be better off at a boarding kennel around
other dogs and people.
