Leaving your pet at home can be difficult, but if you Find A Pet Sitter you can trust, you'll be able to enjoy your time away. Here's everything you need to know about this subject.
How to Find A Pet Sitter
Your choice of pet sitter will vary depending on several factors, including your dog's temperament, special needs, and the length of time you'll be away. In many cases, a friend or family member will be perfectly adequate to do the job. If your dog is hard to manage, has behavioral problems or a medical condition, or has extreme anxiety, a trained pet sitter might be a better choice.
If you're looking for a professional, start by doing a little research. The Internet is a great place for information on local resources. You can even find national organizations that will match you with a qualified pet sitter in your area.
Other valuable resources include your veterinarian or dog trainer. They might have several recommendations of companies or individuals they use regularly.
What to Do Once You Find A Pet Sitter
You've found the perfect person, and her schedule is free. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during the hiring process:
Check her credentials. While a good pet sitter doesn't necessarily have to be certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, having a certificate at least shows that she's completed a set of requirements and has a nominal base of knowledge and training to do the job. If she doesn't have certification from a legitimate organization, ask about her past work history.
Check her references. Even if she's certified, you'll want to contact some past clients. Make sure to follow up on these, and get a few opinions about the sitter before making your decision. Ask the past clients what they liked and what they didn't like about the services offered. Ask them what they would have the sitter do differently if they could do it again.
Introduce her to your dog. Even with all the credentials and great reviews in the world, if your dog doesn't like her, the arrangement just won't work. Bring your dog along when interviewing her, or have her come to your house to meet the dog. Observe how she talks to your pooch, and how your dog responds.
Don't hesitate to check in on the pet sitter at random. Have your friends stop by unannounced and check out the conditions and how your dog is acting. If you can feel confident and comfortable about your choice of a sitter, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your time away.
