If your pet doesn’t appreciate the idea of a week-long stay the next time you’re gone, consider an in-home pet sitter. Here are a few things to check off when looking for the right fit.
Whether your fur child is a lonely child or one of many, sending him to “pet camp” while the rest of the family goes on vacation can be a stressful time that includes a change in routine, unfamiliar faces, and a new around. For many pet owners, the solution is an in-home pet sitter Dog trainer spring Texas.
The benefits to a home sitter are numerous and include not only that your pets stay healthy and stress-free in a familiar environment, but that your home remains inhabited, which keeps insurance companies happy. The right pet sitter will build a bond with your pets, recognizing if they are acting “idle” and a trip to the vet may be necessary, noticing when they need a little extra attention, when they want to play, and when they just want to snuggle.
Related: How to Hire the Right Pet Sitter for Your Frisky Feline
So where do you start hiring someone to come into your personal space and care for the most precious beings in your life? Here are some tips:
- References: Talk to your veterinarian, friends, family, neighbors and your dog trainer. Who have you used and why do you feel comfortable recommending them?
- Training and Qualifications: Do they have experience with a puppy, are they familiar with the special quirks of your pet’s breed, with large dogs, senior cats, multiple dogs? Anything that might make your situation unique for a nanny.
- Insurance and bonding: An insured pet sitter must have documents showing evidence of business liability (in case your pet hurts someone) and be bonded (to protect against theft). Don’t take their word for it: ask for a written test.
- References Previous clients should be happy to provide your model with a reference and you should plan to contact these clients with further questions.
- Support: What happens if the model gets sick and can’t walk her dog or provide the services she expected? Do you have a backup person?
- On the clock: For people who live locally, how much time do you expect them to spend with their pet? Early morning and evening for cats? All day for dogs? If other dogs are walking, are you comfortable with your dog joining the pack or do you prefer one on one?
- Communication: What is the agreed upon method and timing (if any) for providing updates while you are away? If your pet is frail or elderly, you may want regular text messages or emails. Do you want me to record your pet’s daily behaviors for when you return so you can detect any irregularities or changes in their mood?
- Test run: Before you seal the deal and embark on that three-week trip to Far East Asia, take a test run. Take a weekend away and take care of your pet. Together you can detect and solve any problems or questions that may arise and your pets have the opportunity to become familiar with this new person in their life.