Your pet is a trusted companion, and one you’ve grown to love so much. However, as it also happened to me, there are plenty of times when you need to travel or run errands, and the need for a good pet sitter becomes obvious. 

A professional sitter will ensure your pet’s wellbeing while you are away, so it’s only normal to conduct a thorough search before deciding on a specific person. After all, the last thing you would want to happen is to come home and realize that your pet has not been well taken care of. You might want to check out SimplyForDogs to know more about your dog’s health.

What makes a good pet sitter?

After many years of using pet sitters, I have come to the conclusion a true professional will meet the following characteristics/requirements:

• Experience backed by reviews from former pet parents – an experienced sitter will deliver a high-quality service, never shying away from providing references when asked 

• Pet sitting insurance – I always ask a prospective sitter whether he/she is insured or not, as this is proof of a professional service (also shows me he/she is responsible enough to acknowledge things can get out of control)

• Love for pets – one cannot take care of a pet, without actually loving furry creatures; the good news is that it’s easy to recognize a pet lover, as they tend to light up and show their joy without restriction

• Excellent communicators – as a pet parent, it is only normal to want a sitter who will provide constant feedback on how the furry friend is doing (especially when I go on extended travels)

• Flexible schedule – it is essential to me that I find a sitter who is able to work around my agenda and not the other way around; in choosing someone to look after your pet, make sure they are honest about their schedule and ability to sit without too much advance notice

• Pet knowledge – good sitters know everything there is to know about pets, their breed and associated needs; they are familiar with pet care and nutrition, as well as potential threats according to each season

• Ability to handle emergencies – pets can run away, they can get sick, or ingest toxic substances; given these potentially-risky situations, be sure to choose a sitter who is capable of handling emergencies 

• Forming a connection – our pet friends can immediately sense if they are in the presence of a calm person, someone who loves pets; the right sitter is someone who can help an anxious pet relax, forming a connection in a short period of time.

How to find the right sitter for your pet?

Finding the right sitter is not as difficult as you might think, and I have gathered a few pointers for you:

• National Association of Professional Sitters – The only national, non-profit, professional pet sitting association dedicated to raising and abiding by industry standards. We support members with education, certification and the resources to operate successful businesses

• Word-of-mouth – whenever I am on the market for a new pet sitter, I talk to friends and acquaintances; they often provide me with valuable tips, and point me toward the right person

• Pet forums/groups – if you are a pet parent, chances are you have signed up to become a member of various pet forums and/or groups; ask the other members about potential sitters, and you will definitely find a wealth of recommendations

• Online ads – these are frequent on social media, as well as on websites dedicated to pets; before you decide on a particular person, however, I recommend you interview at least several and watch them interact with your pet

• Vet recommendations – you can ask your vet about potential recommendations, as such a professional is familiar with pet sitting services; be reassured, as they will only recommend professionals they know to be reputed and reliable

• Other solutions – dog groomer, neighborhood association, dog parks.

We all want the best for our pets, including when it comes to finding a sitter. I hope you will find the advice presented above to be useful, particularly if you are new to this domain. Keep in mind that it might take some time before you will find the right person. It will be all worth it, though, knowing you will be able to leave your home without too much worry.

As mentioned in the article, do not be in a hurry to choose a sitter but rather interview several people before taking a decision. Observe if there is a chemistry between the interviewee and your pet friend, as this can help find the best person for the job. 

References:

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters 

How to Find a Pet Sitter: An Expert Guide (ccspca.com)

How to find a dog sitter | TrustedHousesitters.com

How to Find an Excellent Dog Sitter (thesprucepets.com)

6 Tips to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter (moneytalksnews.com)

How to Find a Pet Sitter | SafeWise