Important Pet Sitter Selection Considerations
Up Front Work with Long Term Pay Off
Pet sitters. There is a great need for many pet owners to find a pet sitter (and walker) to provide additional assistance to ensure their pet has the time, care and attention while they balance their personal lifestyle and work requirements.
The journey to discover the peace of mind that comes with reliable pet care is one that is not often fully considered. There are many considerations that should be factored in when selecting a sitter.
Yet they are so essential to consider in order to ensure your pet’s safety and emotional well being.
Tiffany Jackson, owner of Ally4Pets, provides a detailed overview of key considerations that many may overlook, and where to start your search.
The Benefits of Professional Pet Sitting
When it comes to the well-being of your pet, nothing compares to the care and attention provided by a professional pet sitter. Unlike boarding facilities or relying on friends and family, professional pet sitters offer personalized care in the familiar surroundings of your home.
Boarding your pet in someone’s else home, instead of a boarding facility, does not make the situation any less stressful.
The home boarding may have other pets that your pet is not familiar with which can stress an animal out even more as it is now fighting for attention and potentially a place in a new pack.
Staying in your home minimizes stress for your pet and ensures they receive individualized attention tailored to their unique needs.
Professional pet sitters are experienced in handling various pet behaviors, from separation anxiety to medical conditions, providing you with peace of mind while you’re away. Additionally, having a pet sitter visit your home can help deter potential burglars, as their presence creates the illusion of an occupied house. By opting for professional pet-sitting services, you can enjoy your travels with the knowledge that your furry friend is safe, comfortable, and receiving the care they deserve.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter
Finding a reliable and trustworthy pet sitter is essential for the well-being of your pet. Start by seeking recommendations from friends, family, or your local veterinarian. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to finding the most dependable pet sitters.
Conduct thorough research online, checking the websites and social media profiles of potential pet sitters to learn more about their qualifications, experience, and services offered.
Look for pet sitters who are insured and bonded, as this provides an extra layer of protection.
Ask to see their certificate of insurance and a copy of their bond. They can email those to you to verify.
Schedule interviews with potential pet sitters to assess their compatibility with your pet and discuss their approach to care. Ask for references from past clients to gain insights into their professionalism and reliability.
Finally, trust your instincts and choose a pet sitter who genuinely cares for animals and demonstrates a deep understanding of their needs. By investing time and effort into finding the perfect pet sitter, you can ensure your furry friend is in capable hands.
These websites are a great place to start Find a Local NAPPS Pet Sitter. The other website is Pet Sitter Locator.
Other insurance or certificates to ask about are Care, Custody, and Control insurance which means that if the pet sitter drives your pet to a park for a walk or to the pet store to get a treat, they have insurance that covers your pet in the car and in the store.
If you insist on boarding your pet in someone else’s home instead of a boarding facility, ask if they have a kennel license. A kennel license is required by anybody who is charging for pets to stay in their home and requires an inspection by the local animal control agency to make sure their place has adequate space and facilities for your pet.
Qualifications and Peace of Mind
When selecting a pet sitter, it’s crucial to consider their qualifications and credentials.
– Look for pet sitters who have undergone training in pet care, first aid, and handling emergency situations. Certification from recognized organizations, such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI), can give you added confidence in their abilities.
– Request proof of background checks and ask about their experience with pets similar to yours.
– A professional pet sitter should also be prepared to discuss their contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or natural disasters.
Other things to ask about are how your pet would be handled in an emergency and the unforeseen circumstances of your death.
You should always be in contact with your pet sitter about how your pet is doing and feeling and together decide about veterinary care unless it is a true emergency.
Many veterinary hospitals will require some proof that your pets are in the care of a pet-sitting company before scheduling an appointment or providing services.
Care.com, Rover.com, and Wag.com … What are they really?
These websites are search engines designed to help locate potential pet sitters. It is important to understand that they do not directly oversee pet care and individuals found during searches are not employees. While the sites may indicate background checks have been done, they do not guarantee the services provided by sitters found during the search.
While they might have “Guarantees” about the services, there is no insurance of any kind and in fact, in their terms of service that service providers need to agree to it states that you should abide by any local laws and regulations and that specific pet sitting insurance is recommended.
They encourage boarding in your own home, but do not talk about any licensing that may be required, but instead say you can make 2x more.
They have pages and pages of legal documentation that say they are not liable for the quality of care that your pet receives by any of their service providers.
Some corporations are partnering with these services to provide its employees another “benefit” in the benefit package. Other companies are helping their customers by recommending these services.
Make sure if using these services to ask about insurance, kennel license, and care, custody, and control insurance.
Ask for proof of the service providers insurance, have meet and greets and ask a lot of questions.
Considering Cost and Value
While cost is an important factor, it should not be the sole consideration when selecting a pet sitter.
Professional pet sitting services vary in price depending on factors such as location, duration of visits, and additional services required.
Keep in mind that investing in a qualified and reliable pet sitter is an investment in your pet’s happiness and well-being. Cheaper options may compromise on quality and attention to detail, potentially resulting in a less satisfying experience for your pet.
Request a detailed breakdown of services and fees from potential pet sitters to ensure transparency.
Consider the value you receive from a pet sitter who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and peace of mind.
By balancing cost and value, you can find a pet sitter who offers the best combination of affordability and quality care for your furry friend.
Recap
The information provided has served to assist pet owners in need of a pet sitter to understand the considerations, questions to ask, as well as where to start their pet sitter search.
- Take the time to find a qualified and trustworthy pet sitter who aligns with your pet’s needs & your own peace of mind.
- Remember to seek recommendations, conduct thorough research, and trust your instincts when selecting a pet sitter.
- Consider their qualifications, certifications, and contingency plans to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
- It’s essential to prioritize the well-being of our beloved pets.
- While cost is important, prioritize the value and quality of care provided by the pet sitter.
By choosing a qualified and well-prepared pet sitter, you can enjoy your time away knowing that your pet’s safety and well-being are in capable hands.
Learn more below about author Tiffany Jackson of Ally4Pets
Tiffany Jackson
Tiffany is the founder/owner of a pet sitting business Ally4Pets in Maryland.
She is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with over 30 years hands-on experience in routine and critical care, emergency, ophthalmology, avian and reptile care, anesthesia, and surgery.
She has taught animal CPR and First Aid for the Red Cross and have relied on each during her years in veterinary hospitals.
Her training and commitment to pet safety has led her to require that sitters joining her business as employees are trained in Pet First Aid and become CPR certified.