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.
