Hiring A Pet Sitter

There are many benefits to hiring a pet sitter to take care of your fur babies when you are away:

·     Your pet will be happier at home than in a kennel

·     Your pet’s routine will remain virtually the same which reduces stress and anxiety

·     Your pet’s diet will be the same eliminating any tummy issues from a change in diet

·     If you have multiple pets, hiring a pet sitter may be less costly than a kennel

·     You can customize the care you require for your pet. Some pet sitters will stay at your home, host your pet at their home or make visits to your home

·     You are less likely to be burglarized if someone is staying at your home or visiting it multiple times a day

·     Pet sitters usually offer to collect your mail, water your plants and turn lights on and off to give your home a “lived in” appearance

How to hire a Pet Sitter

A useful tool to find a pet sitter in your area is through the Pet Sitter Locator from The National Association of Professional Pet Sitter(NAPPS) website: https://pro.petsitters.org/‍

Referrals from family, friend or co-worker are always a great way to find a pet sitter. They have first-hand knowledge about the pet sitter.

What to do next?

1. Call the pet sitter, check their social media pages and visit their website if they have one

2. Ask/view the services they offer, rates and reviews

3. Ask questions to see if they will be able to provide you and your pet the services you needs ex. Dog walking, ability to medicate, play time, grooming, water plants, check mail

4. Ask for references

5. Ask for a copy of their liability insurance coverage and bond

6. Have the pet sitter come to your home in advance of your trip to make sure they interact well with you and your pet.

7.  Provide the pet sitter with written instructions on how to care for each pet, include their name and description of each your pets (if you have multiple pets), diet restrictions, medication instructions, your pets’ favorite things to do, your pets personality and habits, and any other services you would like them to do when you are away ex. Water plants, collect mail etc.

8. A week before your trip, contact the pet sitter to make sure they are still available, have all the information they need, keys, security code, your contact information, a family member, friends, or neighbor to contact in case of an emergency and your veterinarian contact information

9. Check with your pet sitter while your away to see how everyone is doing and ask for pictures

10. Enjoy your vacation!