How to Find and Choose a Pet Sitter While Traveling

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By dorigillman
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Esther the Maltese in her traveling bag

Some people do not want to leave Fido or Fluffy at home when they travel. In today’s world, if you have a relatively small portable pet, you can take your furry member of the family with you. Many hotels, stores, and even restaurants (usually the pet stays outside when dining al fresco) have become pet-friendly.

There are times that you might need someone to watch your pet even if you carry her around with you most of the time. What if you are invited to a wedding or similar event that is not pet-friendly? Or maybe you just want to go to a restaurant or a movie and cannot leave your dog or cat alone in the hotel room. You can successfully find a pet sitter when you are not in your home territory. Here is what you must do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

a pet, all the information about your pet such as medical records, traveling food, leash, carrier, pet bed, treats

Step 1

Check with your vet before you leave. If your vet doesn’t know of a pet sitter, maybe he will know a vet in that other state or country that does. Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t know!
Step 2

Inquire at your hotel. Some higher-end hotels will provide a pet sitter or a referral for you. These hotels have many pet services. Request several names so you can have a choice.
Step 3

Ask your friends or family you are visiting if they know of a pet sitter or pet day care place that they could recommend. Pet sitters are often found through word of mouth no matter where you are. If you can find one that way, then you are golden, especially if you are not staying at a high-end hotel!
Step 4

Check on-line with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International or other pet sitter association. These organizations have lists of pet sitters all over the U.S. and other countries. Pick a few names and contact them. These pet sitters will most likely be bonded and insured and will have references. Check for these things.
Step 5

Get a service contract even if you will be hiring the pet sitter for only a few hours. This is important. The one we had recently had us fill in information about our pet (doctor numbers, shot information, medical information, etc.) as well as providing us with fees, their telephone numbers, etc.
Step 6

Decide whether you want your pet to stay at the hotel or go to the pet sitter. Unfortunately, you will not be able to see the place before contracting the service since this will all be accomplished long-distance. Indicate to the pet sitter if your dog likes other animals or needs to be by herself.

Make arrangements for pick-up or drop-off.
Step 7

Make fee arrangements before signing the contract. There should be no disagreements later! The fees for pet day care or pet sitting in general can range from $10-$50 per day. You can sometimes bargain for a set amount if you only need a few hours of sitting.