{"id":1419,"date":"2017-03-06T06:00:32","date_gmt":"2017-03-06T06:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1419"},"modified":"2017-03-06T23:56:18","modified_gmt":"2017-03-06T23:56:18","slug":"finding-a-pet-sitter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/finding-a-pet-sitter\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding A Pet Sitter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Most pet parents would not dream of taking a vacation without their pets. But, it is not always practical or possible to bring our pets with us. In order to have an enjoyable vacation we want to be sure our pets are happy, healthy and safe while we are away.<\/p>\n

Animals are creatures of habit, and our pet companions fare best when adhering to their regular daily routines regarding diet, exercise and sleep. An experienced and reliable pet sitter can keep your pets happy and healthy while you are away.<\/p>\n

Pet sitters do much more than provide a pet with food and water while their guardian is away from home.\u00a0 A good pet sitter also spends quality time with the animal, gives them exercise and knows how to tell if they need veterinary attention. What’s more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as taking in mail and newspapers and watering plants.<\/p>\n

Why hire a pet sitter?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When you must be away from home, perhaps for travel or an emergency, and don\u2019t want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet?<\/p>\n

A pet sitter is a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet. He or she offers both you and your pet many benefits.<\/p>\n

Your pet gets:<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0The environment they know best. Pets may become stressed by being in a strange place.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Their regular diet and routine.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals \u00a0 \u00a0(such as a boarding kennel).<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Your pet is not exposed to any potential health issues as might happen \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0when boarding in a kennel (such as flea infestation, kennel cough, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0parvovirus)<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Pets are assured attention while you’re away.<\/p>\n

You get:<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Happier friends and neighbors, who aren’t burdened with caring for your pet.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don’t know you’re away.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Someone who will come to your home so you don’t have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.<\/p>\n

Here\u00a0are some tips to find the perfect pet sitter:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

First, make a list of everything you need in a sitter and a list of the needs of your pet.\u00a0Will the pet sitter simply need to exercise, feed, provide fresh water and play with your pet or are there other duties that will be desired? Does your pet require any medications? Do you have plants that need to be watered, mail and newspapers to be taken in and other household duties that need to be discussed?<\/p>\n

Find pet sitters<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Referrals are a good place to start looking for pet sitters. Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, co-worker, veterinarian, or humane society.<\/p>\n

Next, check out pet-sitting associations<\/em>. For example:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Pet Sitters International<\/a>:\u00a0Use their\u00a0Pet Sitter Locator\u00a0tool<\/a>\u00a0to find professional sitters in your area. It lets you filter \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0your results by services offered (overnight sitting, grooming, house sitting) as well as insured, first-aid-certified \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0sitters.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0National Association of Professional Pet Sitters<\/a>:\u00a0You can look up pet sitters by ZIP code through\u00a0their website. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Listings with a NAPPS-certified logo have passed a certification test on basic pet handling, professionalism, and \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0first aid.<\/p>\n

You can also find pet sitters through specialty service sites like:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0DogVacay.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Rover.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Care.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0BringFido.com<\/a><\/p>\n

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It\u2019s important to learn all you can about prospective pet sitters\u2019 qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0What training has the pet sitter received?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0medications, and routines?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed \u00a0 \u00a0in the contract?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?<\/p>\n

It might be helpful to ask these questions in your interview with the prospective pet sitter:\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0What type of pets do you usually sit for?\u00a0Obviously, 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 type of pet before. For example, if you have a large pit bull with a habit of breaking out of her leash, it would be a good idea to choose a pet sitter who is familiar with the breed and knows the importance of watching your dog at all times on their walks.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 What training have you completed?\u00a0Basic training courses, behavior modification courses, and pet first aid all indicate a knowledgeable pet sitter.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 What services do you provide?\u00a0Don\u2019t assume all pet sitters are willing to stay overnight, take your dog to the dog \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 park, or pick up your mail. Ask for a list of possible services.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Are you associated with an emergency veterinarian?\u00a0Make sure your pet sitter will know who to call if your pet \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 becomes ill or injured.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Can you provide references?\u00a0Ask for a list of references and then contact them.<\/p>\n

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it\u2019s important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet\u2014does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, you may want to start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter\u2019s care for longer periods.<\/p>\n

Compare prices<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pet sitters determine their own prices, so you\u2019ll find great and bad deals.<\/p>\n

Typical costs:<\/strong><\/h6>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Pet sitting costs\u00a0$10-$65\u00a0per day, depending on the location, length of the visit and number of sitter’s duties.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Most 20-30 minutes visits cost about $10-$20 for one or two pets. Extra tasks such as giving medication or nail \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0clipping may have an extra charge running from $5 to $10.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0A 60-minute visit typically costs\u00a0$25-$35. Again, this offers more attention and exertion for the pet or pets.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0An overnight stay ranges from $45- $80, with an average of $60. This option is available for those not wanting their \u00a0 \u00a0pet to be alone overnight<\/p>\n

Prices remain the same for most pets, although some sitters charge less for small rodents like gerbils and hamsters.<\/p>\n

*Boarding your pet in a kennel usually costs less than hiring a pet sitter. \u00a0The boarding process creates efficiencies in lower pricing because multiple pets can be cared for at once.\u00a0 However, boarding is not as comfortable for pets as hiring a pet sitter. Many pets suffer from stress and anxiety when they are removed from their homes. \u00a0Staying at home is more comfortable for most pets, particularly those that aren\u2019t very social. Additionally, pets get less personal attention in a boarding kennel.\u00a0 A pet sitter provides a lot of one-on-one attention and interaction.<\/p>\n

Get a\u00a0Contract<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Finally, ask for a written contract between you and the sitter. It should include:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0A full list of services the pet sitter will provide:\u00a0Dog walking, feeding, overnight stays, and household chores like \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0picking up the mail and watering plants.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0The cost\u00a0of pet sitting broken down per day and per visit, plus any extra charges. For example, if the pet sitter \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0charges $5 extra for holidays, make sure it is in the contract.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Number of visits:\u00a0Include the number of days you\u2019ll need the sitter, plus the number of visits the sitter will make per \u00a0 \u00a0day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/h4>\n

Your Responsibilities – Helping the Pet Sitter and Your Pet<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven’t also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle them.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Affix current identification tags to your pet’s collar.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0how to reach you and your veterinarian.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Leave pet food and supplies in one place.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Buy extra pet supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give them and your pet sitter each other’s phone \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Show the pet sitter your home’s important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 \u00a0Make certain the sitter is able to handle an emergency and is aware of the phone number and location of the \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0nearest veterinary hospital as well as the number to your vet\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter’s phone number with you in case your plans change\u2014or you just want to find out how your fur babies are doing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter   Most pet parents would not dream of taking a vacation without their pets. But, it is not always practical or possible to bring our pets with us. In order to have an enjoyable vacation we want to be sure our pets are happy, healthy and safe while we are … <\/p>\n

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