Tips for Hiring a Pet Sitter

So your planning your summer vacation and researching all the cool stuff to do where ever you're going, then Fido starts starring at you with that cute little twisted head, ears perked wondering what you're doing...of course, not paying attention to Fido, he is certainly interested in what could possibly be more fun than playing with him.  Your next thought, "What about Fido?  What do we do with him while we are gone?  The kids down the street are on vacation, the last time we asked a relative to help they forgot to give Fido his hip and joint medication.  He hated going to the kennel.  How do I find someone I can trust to watch my furry kids?"

As a pet sitter, I of course have the answer!  Below are some tips on how to find that perfect pet sitter to care, love and cuddle with your furry kids while you are off enjoying and relaxing your well deserved vacation.

1. Start your search early!  Allow yourself enough time to interview pet sitters and find the one you feel the most comfortable with.  If you aren't "feeling" it during the initial meet and greet, don't give them your keys.  Let them know you are interviewing several sitters and will get back to them.  Also, pet sitters get pretty busy during the spring and summer months, so you'll want start checking availability early.
2. Make sure the pet sitter you hire is bonded and insured.  If anything were to happen while you are away you'll want the piece of mind of knowing you'll be covered.
3. Check for accreditation and CPR & First Aid Certification.  If your pet sitter is professional, they will have taken extra time to get accredited through a national organization and have gone through Pet CPR & First Aid classes.  A pet sitter should be able and willing to perform snout to tail assessments and recognize when something is wrong. 
4. Check references.  New to town and don't know anyone who can give you a reference?  Ask your vet.  If they have a good relationship with any pet sitters, they should be more than willing to offer a good reference. 
5. Ask lots of questions. I have compiled the most frequently asked questions from pet parents during my initial meet and greet consultations.  Print out the questions and grill your potential pet sitter.  If they don't answer the questions to your liking...move on to the next.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of people out there that claim to be pet sitters, but don't do it on a full time basis.  Is it ok to hire someone who only does it part time, in between their full time job?  Sure, but know that  their full time job takes precedence over your pet sitting job.  If you find a pet sitter that sounds good over the phone and then doesn't live up to your expectations during the meet and greet don't freak out.  There are more out there.  

If you have any other questions about how to hire the perfect pet sitter don't hesitate to call me.  480-292-9735.