How to Choose a Pet Sitter

By ThePetList.com original article

Pet sitters take care of your pets in your own home while you're on vacation (or when you're at work during the day). That means your pets don't have to leave an environment they know and love while you're away, yet they still receive the love and attention they deserve. Many pet sitters offer services like walking your dog while you're at work, feeding and playing with your pets while you're on vacation, watering your plants, picking up your mail, and even picking up a few groceries so you don't come home to an empty fridge.

How does pet sitting work?

Not all pet sitters work the same way, but this is in general how they work. First, you call the pet sitter to arrange for service during your vacation. If you'll be away during a major holiday, call well in advance (a month or two), otherwise a week should suffice.

The pet sitter will schedulle a time to come over and meet with you and your pets. You can give them instructions about feeding and taking care of the pets, and any special needs they have. You will provide them with emergency contact information, and provide the sitter with a copy of your house key. It's also an important time for the pet sitter to get to know your pets.

When it's time for you to go on vacation, your pet sitter will come to your house at agreed-upon times. They'll give your pets food and water and play with them. When you get back they'll return your key and communicate with you about their visits.

How to choose a sitter

When choosing a pet sitter there are many things to consider.

Are they bonded and insured?

Will they give you a written contract to sign that spells out exactly what services they provide and what the cost will be?

What services do they provide for the basic fee and what services cost extra? Do they charge extra if you have more than one pet?

Do they have a back-up arranged in case they get sick or can't come for some reason?

Can the sitter provide references of their clients?

What training or experience do they have?

Are they accredited by a pet sitters association such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222)?

Talk to the pet sitter on the phone and if you like what you hear, invite them for a home visit. Watch them play with your pets, do your pets seem comfortable with the sitter?

Once you decide to hire the sitter, make sure you provide them with written instructions about feeding and caring for your pets. You'll also need to provide them with your veterinarian's contact information and a way to reach you at your destination along with a local emergency contact (such as a neighbor). Make sure your pets have current vaccinations and id tags.

If you want to find a pet sitter, check our pet sitting directory.

Enjoy your trip!