If you consider yourself a devoted fur parent, chances are you’d like to take your beloved pet with you everywhere you go. Of course, that’s just not possible for most people. There will inevitably be times when you’ll have to leave your pet in the care of a boarding service or a trusted pet sitter for a certain period.
That said, finding the right person to look after your fur baby while you’re away can often be challenging. You don’t just want someone who’ll adore your pet as much as you do. You also want to make sure that they have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to give your pet the care they need in your absence. After all, the last thing you want is to arrive home from your vacation to find your house a mess, your pet’s food and water dishes empty, and other nightmare scenarios.
With all these in mind, the following are five important qualities you’ll want to look for in a good pet sitter:
Trustworthiness
While you’re away, your pet sitter will be responsible for your pet’s daily upkeep. You’ll also have to entrust them with the spare keys to your house, as it’s also their job to lock up securely when they go home at the end of the day. These weighty responsibilities make trustworthiness one of the most important qualities an ideal pet sitter should have. So, make sure to meet your pet sitter before signing them on, and don’t hesitate to do a background check on their prior jobs and work experience.
Once you’ve chosen a sitter you feel good about, it may also help to walk them through your home. Show them where to find your pet’s food and water bowls, leashes, custom martingale collars, and any other essential items they might need. Don’t hesitate as well to leave your sitter with specific instructions on your pet’s care plan, such as how often you want your pet fed or how much exercise they need. The best sitters will respect these instructions and strive to follow them carefully.
Prior Pet-Sitting Experience
Professional pet sitters may advertise their services on social media, personal websites, or house- and pet-sitting platforms. Be sure to read the information they provide about their experiences and qualifications closely to determine if they’re a good fit for your particular situation. Needless to say, a sitter who’s primarily worked with dogs in the past may not necessarily know how to care for hamsters or guinea pigs.
The most important factor to consider when vetting potential pet sitters is how much prior experience they have with animal care. Have they been working as pet sitters for a long time? Do their online profiles feature testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients? Bear in mind that other forms of pet care outside of pet sitting may also count as valuable experiences, such as being pet owners themselves, volunteering at shelters, or working in veterinary services.
Flexibility and Adaptability
While many people offer pet-sitting services on the side, full-time pet sitters are likely to have the most flexible schedules and may be best positioned to accommodate client needs. They may be especially helpful if you encounter an emergency and need a pet sitter to come in on short notice.
Adaptability and flexibility are especially helpful qualities for a pet sitter to have in the event of any emergencies that arise while you’re away. Top-notch sitters will have a plan of action in mind in case your pet suddenly falls ill, ingests a toxic substance, or runs away. They’ll also have a comprehensive list of helpful contacts that they can get in touch with to help them resolve these situations. Basic medical training, including animal CPR and first aid, is also always a plus.
Extensive Knowledge of Pets
A good pet-sitter will be well-educated on different kinds of animals and how to care for them. It’s a good sign, for example, if your potential dog sitter has worked with a variety of different breeds and can describe their differing temperaments and needs in detail. You’ll also want to hire someone familiar with the various pet resources available in your community, including veterinary clinics, pet shops, grooming services, and others.
Good Rapport with Your Pet
Ideally, we all want to leave our precious pets in the hands of someone who loves and cares for them just as much as we do. One of the reasons it’s a good idea to meet your pet sitter in person before hiring is that it gives you a chance to observe their chemistry with your pet.
To do this, simply watch how your pet sitter interacts with your pet for at least a few minutes. Evaluate if they’re able to put your pet at ease and establish a positive connection before deciding to work with the sitter.
Most pet owners think that their dear animal companions deserve only the best quality care they can provide, and the best pet sitters out there will fully agree. Look for a pet sitter who loves animals as much as you do, and you may just find a valuable partner who’ll provide you with exceptional service whenever you need it.
Read also:
Leave a Reply