Get a Pet Sitter - By: Groshan Fabiola

What should I do if I am leaving town and need a place to keep my dog?

If you are going away for a while, it is imperative that your dog is taken care of. Dog day care is something you should look into as well as a dog kennel. Boarding your dog is a great idea because the caretakers will treat your dog well, as they are educated and have the best products and cares for your pet. If you decide to gat a pet sitter, there are a few things that you will want to do in order to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

One of the first things that you can do is to prepare detailed instructions for your pet sitter. Include your phone numbers of where you can be reached in the event of an emergency. You will also need to give your pet sitter the name and phone number of your vet. Make sure that you also ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.

It is also important to get pet insurance just so that you will not have to deal with any repercussions of carelessness. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, it does not ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy. These traits can often be determined from their former employers.

In addition, it is a good idea to set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter’s attention? If your dog and the person interviewed do not seem to click, keep interviewing until you find a good match.

A reliable and dedicated sitter will take notes for the details of your unique dog routines. They should ask you questions, and be concerned of trying to maintain the same routine as the dog has been use to. If they do not ask questions or take notes from you, keep interviewing.You can also ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. A professional pet sitter should belong to an organization such as PSI (Pet Sitters International) or NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters). However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.

When dealing with a pet sitter, make sure that you ask them for a copy of their contract. Then you will have to carefully review the details. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Next, you should arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog’s reaction. Is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).

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