Choosing the right Pet Sitter for your pets
When planning any kind of trip away from home most
people’s largest anxiety is who will care for their pet pals. Often the first person people think of is
their neighbor or trusted friend/family member; after all they understand more
than anyone else how much your pet means to you. How could a stranger understand that? Then
all too often people learn the hard way, it is better to hire a
professional.
People don’t like to think of the care of their furry
pet pals in terms of a business. But if
you needed legal advice you wouldn’t consider asking your neighbor, you would
contact a lawyer. When you need pet
medical care you contact a vet, not our family member or neighbor. Therefore
when your pet needs anything you are unable to provide it is best to seek a
professional.
In San Diego there are many different kinds of pet
care professionals and housesitters to choose from. There are places like Fetch Pet Care, a large
national company where people to come into your home to care for your pet. Snug
Pet Resort and Markim Pet Resort are also large well known pet care companies
in San Diego. They offer boarding at
their facility complete with pet veterinary staff on site, dog training, and grooming.
They offer pet games, dog swimming pools, off leash running and lots of
“add-ons”.
Sniff Pet Care offers a different atmosphere. We provide housesitting your pet pal in our
home. We limit the number of pet paws running
around to offer maximum relaxation and low stress. Snug dog beds, couches, chairs, a game of
fetch on the beach, followed fireside naps are including in our daily routine. We aim to make your pet feel like they are at
home.
Once you have decided which one of these offers the
best environment for your pet and their needs you still have the hardest part
ahead of you…choosing one.
To help you these guidelines will help you know which
questions to ask, what to look for in an in person interview (which is
essential).
Once you find a handful of pet sitters/housesitters in your area,
ask to make an appointment to meet them. Below are some questions you could
ask, but tailor them fit the needs of your pet.
What type of breeds do
you usually sit for? Obviously,
someone with experience will put you more at ease, but it is a good idea to
look for a sitter who has worked with your breed of pet before. For example, if
I have a dog with a habit of breaking out of her leash. You should choose pet
sitter because they are familiar with the breed.
·
What
training have you completed? Basic training courses, behavior modification courses, and
pet first aid all indicate a knowledgeable pet sitter.
·
Can you
provide references? Ask
for a list of references and then contact them.
·
What kind of updates and how often do you
provide? What hours and how can
you check in on your pet. Email, text, pictures, live video, phone calls.
·
Are the other pets you care for
spayed/neutered? Is
there requirement for all animals under the pet sitter’s care to be
neutered/spayed and the age in which they require it, as some pet are too young
·
Are the other pets vaccinated? Do you require other dogs to be vaccinated?
One of the best things
about using a pet sitter is once you find one you trust and establish a working
relationship, your pets should feel comfortable in their care and you'll be
able to leave home without worry.
