When trying to find proper in-home care for your pets when you travel, consider the many differences that using a Professional Pet Sitting Service can make in the health and happiness of your pets.
Will a neighbor or friend (child or adult) recognize the early signs of illness?
Will a neighbor have the time to notice the problems and deal with them?
Will a child have access to transportation to take a sick or injured pet to the vet?
Will quality time be spent with your pet?
Will they always remember to visit as planned?
Will they clean up all messes and will litter boxes be scooped daily?
Will pets be given the proper amount of food, will fresh water be given, what about medications?
Will they stick to your pet's normal diet or will junk food be given?
Will a child be concentrating on your home and pet ... or will he/she be thinking about getting done so they can be with their friends? ... Or will their friends be at your house ... maybe partying? Will they remember to lock the house? Will they tell their friends you're out of town?
Will they have other priorities, thus reducing the attention to your pet that he/she needs and deserves?
If you decide that a pet sitter is the answer for your pets and you, below are a few things to ask potential sitters.
Prices vary, but so do the Qualifications, Professionalism and Level of Service! As in all other businesses, there is almost always a Good Reason Why Some Services Charge More than Others!
Can they recognize the early signs of illness and will they know what to do in the event of an emergency?
Do they have current liability insurance and bonding?
Are they Members of a Professional Pet Sitting Organization? (These organizations keep pet sitters current on our industry and set standards).
Will they leave you a Daily Diary or Notes, so you can see what your pet and your sitter did while you were away? (This documents any changes in your pet's behavior or health etc).
What is their level of experience in dealing with pets?
Do they network with other pet sitters and pet related businesses to learn more about their profession and pet care in general?
Who will be coming into your home when you're away? Will you meet the person? Will children be coming in without your knowledge?
Do they provide references?
What about vet care? Do they get your signature allowing them to seek treatment if needed?
Do they use a written contract that states fees and specifies services?
Are they dependable and will they make all visits as scheduled?
Try to determine if they are pet sitting as a career ... or just as a hobby!
We are Insured and Bonded
We are Accredited with the Better Business Bureau
We are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid
We provide Excellent References
We belong to Pet Sitters International
We attend pet related continuing Education classes and Conventions
We use a Written Contract
We have many years of Experience in caring for various types of pets
We leave Daily Notes to document pet activities, behavior & health while you're away
We have a Contingency Plan in case of personal illness or emergency
We offer the Team Approach for your pet's Added Protection
