Whether due to long hours at work, travel plans or an unexpected event, it's almost inevitable that at some point you'll have to leave your dog or cat at home for an extended period. That's where trusted pet sitters come in. A good pet sitter can provide the peace of mind you need when you're away from your beloved four-legged companion.
But how do you find a pet sitter who's right for your pet? Read on for all the information you need to search for, evaluate and select a pet sitter you can trust.
Before reaching out to any pet sitters, make sure you know exactly what you're looking for. You may want to jot down your answers to the following questions:
Nailing down your answers to these questions in advance will help you conduct a more efficient search for a pet sitter.
Once you've identified your needs, it's time to begin your search. But where should you look to find a pet sitter? The American Kennel Club (AKC)suggests asking for recommendations from pet stores, pet trainers and friends who have pets of their own. You can also use websites and apps that have professional pet sitter locators.
There are several things you should expect from trusted pet sitters. The AKC explains that "professional pet sitters should have a business license, be insured and bonded, offer client references and be able to provide proof of a clear criminal history. They should also have an agreement or contract." And, more importantly, they should be willing to provide an in-home consultation and meet you and your pet before you decide whether or not to hire them.
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Make sure to thoroughly interview prospective pet sitters, just as you would any employee. It's a good idea to prepare some of your most pressing questions in advance. Your list may include questions about client references, proof of insurance and any relevant training or certifications.
Here are a few other questions you might want to ask:
Finding a great pet sitter is worth the effort — they can make a world of a difference for both you and your pet when you can't be home. By taking stock of your needs as well as your pet's, reaching out to trustworthy sources and asking the right questions, you're guaranteed to find a cat or dog sitter who'll keep your pet happy and safe until the moment you return home.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
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Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
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Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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