How to Choose A Pet Sitter For Your Pet

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By jrosengarten
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

So cute, but how do you find a good pet sitter for your dog or cat?

Having your friends, walk, feed, and play with your pet while you are gone is no substitute for a good Professional Pet Sitter. Yes they are not that easy to find but if you will take the time to ask friends, your veterinarian, groomer or pet store for recommendations, the job is not nearly as daunting as you would expect.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

References

Step 1

The biggest advantage of having a professional pet sitter is that your beloved pet will get to stay in his own environment, gets fed his own food, and when you get home your pet is there to greet you with tail wagging. Not only that, a professional pet sitter should be able to spot medical problems and handle any emergencies so that you can relax and know your pet is in capable, caring hands while you are away.
Step 2

Make sure you're making the right choice in deciding to leave an animal at home alone for most of your time away. For example, if your pet has medical or behavioral problems and needs close supervision, a kennel might be the best option. Know your price range. Sitters charge an average of $12 per half-hour visit. Check out potential sitters' references. Does he or she belong to an association? Are they bonded? How long have they been in business?
Step 3

Ask more questions such as have they taken any pet healthcare seminars, or been trained through a sitters group? Is there a backup plan in case the sitter can't make it to your house? Is he or she available to come over prior to your trip and spend time with your pet?
Step 4

Now that you have found a sitter, you need to know your responsibilities. Make sure you leave a list of numbers where you can be reached. Have your veterinarian's number posted. Leave all of your instructions in writing. Have a measuring cup available to measure your pets food portions. This should eliminate over or underfeeding. Make sure you have all supplies available. If your pet has any quirky habits let the sitter know so that if the pet displays phobic behavior, the sitter will understand that it is normal.
Step 5

Now that you have found your sitter. Gotten all your supplies and handwritten instructions done. Go on and enjoy your trip, knowing that you have left that wonderful pooch in the most capable hands you could find.