As the summer approaches, vacation planning is right on top of the list for most pet owners, with safety and well-being for their furry friends sharing that prime spot. A pet sitter could give you all the peace of mind in the world so that you really enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Boarding centers for pets or leaving your pet alone with a neighbor is no match for the personal care provided by a sitter looking after the comfort of your home. In this guide, we will go through important steps to make sure you have the right person looking after your beloved one.
Table of Contents
Determining Your Pet’s Needs
Prepare well before you begin the search for a pet sitter, based on the needs of your pet. Do you have a dog who needs a run every morning? Or do you have a cat who startles very easily with any noises present? An understanding of the daily routine, medical requirements, and personality of your pet will help you better explain your expectations to potential sitters to ensure a good fit.
Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter
Begin looking for potential sitters by asking for the recommendations of relatives or friends, or, even better, exploring the internet profiles of pleasant, trustworthy pet sitter sites. There is a lot to be had from reviews. Search for positive feedback, and, if possible, by pet owners with the same breed.
Conducting Interviews
Once you have a developed shortlist of candidates, you can then set up an interview, in person or over a video call, if they are off island. Whether in person or over a video call, these meetings are crucial. You can ask about their experience, how they deal with emergencies, and whether they have experience with pets similar to yours. It’s your opportunity to assess if you and your pet are compatible and if they understand pet care.
Checking References and Backgrounds
After the interview, check references. You can do this by following up with contacting their previous clients in regard to their experiences with the sitter. An added security measure in this case would be a background check. This can bring some peace of mind in knowing your pet and home will be safe in this person’s care.
Preparing Your Home for the Sitter
Prepare your home in a manner that everything your pet may need is available within easy reach, like food, play toys, safety gates, and most importantly, a list of contact numbers, emergency and that of your vet. Make your home safe for both your pets and itself to avoid accidents and escapes.
Planning a Pilot
If feasible, set up a trial run. This could be as simple as inviting the sitter over for a visit while you are home with your pet. This way, you can watch and see exactly how they interact with your pet and be sure that they can easily handle all elements of your pet’s routine.
Finalizing the Arrangement
Upon doing so, it’s time to seal the deal. You need to discuss and write down everything concerning the period, responsibility, and the pay. Communicate well; it’s the only way for all the parties to be in the know.
Conclusion
It’s in these few simple steps that the right decision can be made for the right pet sitter. Both you and your pet can hopefully have a stress-free summer with adequate preparation even if you are not together. Enjoy the holiday, safe in the knowledge that your pets are being looked after lovingly and professionally.