Choosing the Right Pet Sitter

If you are going to be away from your Pelham home for a time, you’ll need to find someone to take care of your pet while you’re gone. Friends or family members are often a great choice for pet sitting, but sometimes, due to schedules, distance, or other circumstances, it isn’t an option.

The pet sitting industry is growing quickly. There are many benefits to hiring a pet sitter rather than bringing your pet to a kennel. Most animals will be far more comfortable in their own environment. You are relieved of the feeling that you may be burdening a friend or relative with your request. Pet sitters also help by doing things like bringing in the mail and turning lights off and on, which make it harder for a burglar to know the house is empty.

Finding the right pet sitter can be a daunting task. This is someone you will be trusting with not only the care and well-being of your beloved pet, but with all of your possessions as well.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Ask your vet, friends, family members and coworkers for recommendations. A glowing review from someone you know and trust is hard to beat. If you aren’t able to get a recommendation, try the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International and see if they can recommend someone in your area. Both of these organizations maintain databases of trustworthy sitters.

Once you have a potential candidate or candidates, you’ll want to interview them. You should have a fairly long list of questions, as there are several things you’ll need to find out. Does the pet sitter have a backup, or someone to take over in case of an emergency? Do they verify that you have returned home? How much training have they had in animal behavior? Do they spend time with the pets, and play with them? Ask for references from other clients. Don’t hold back on questions; you ideally are looking for someone you will be able to trust to take care of your furball for future out-of-town trips as well. If you are hiring through a company, check the company’s reputation, and make sure your pet sitter has passed a thorough background check.

Before you officially hire a pet sitter, you’ll want to introduce them to your pet, and see if your furry pal approves. If the pet sitter passes Fido or Fluffy’s inspection, make a trial run by having them stop by your Pelham home while you’re at work.

Please visit our site frequently for more tips and articles on pet care.