Choosing a Pet Sitter

When you must be away from homeÛsay for travel or an unexpected emergencyÛand donÌt want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If youÌre like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your petÌs bowls. But is this whatÌs best for your pet? ThereÌs a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while youÌre gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a Ïpet sitterÓÛa professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.

Why hire a pet sitter?

A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.

Your pet gets:

the environment he knows best.
his same diet and routine.
relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
attention while youÌre away.

You get:

happier friends and neighbors, who arenÌt burdened with caring for your pet.
the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars donÌt know youÌre away.
someone who will come to your home so you donÌt have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.
other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.

Where do I find a pet sitter?

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, or dog trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under ÏPet Sitting Services.Ó You can also contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS; www.petsitters.org) or Pet Sitters International (800-268-SITS; www.petsit.com) for a referral. Both organizations offer pet-sitter accreditation to those who demonstrate professional experience, complete pet-care-related home study courses, attend professional conferences, and abide by a code of ethics set by the organizations.

What should I look for?

ItÌs important to learn all you can about prospective pet sittersÌ qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?
What training has the pet sitter received?
Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?
What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?
Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?
Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?
If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?
How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?
Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, itÌs 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 petÛdoes your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, 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 sitterÌs care for longer periods.

How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you havenÌt also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:

Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
Affix current identification tags to your petÌs collar.
Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
Leave pet food and supplies in one place.
Buy extra pet supplies in case youÌre away longer than planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each otherÌs phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
Show the pet sitter your homeÌs important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitterÌs phone number in case your plans changeÛor you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.

Reprinted with permission from the Humane Association of the United States

Pet Services and Listings

Choosing a Pet Sitter