10 Tips to find a reputable small animal pet sitting

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Finding the best pet sitting services helps to reduce anxiety when you travel, leaving your pet behind. It is good to find the best small animal pet sitting service so that you can enjoy time off during vacation, or when you travel for business. To find the right pet sitting services, you should consider the tips below. Most people prefer to have a pet sitter care for the pets in their homes to reduce the risks of infections or even trauma to their pet when they leave home.

Important tips to find reputable small animal pet sitting

Referrals

Ask other pet owners.

You may ask friends and relatives for referrals or check online. Various service providers have websites, and you will find information regarding the services they offer at the sites. Through social media platforms, you can review various service providers and also get feedback from previous clients. When checking for feedback, ensure that you get information regarding the type of services the company offers, if they are trustworthy and if they maintain high standards in caring for the pets.

Contact your veterinarian

Does your pet have any specific medical problems?

It is important to notify the veterinarian so that they can do checkups to ensure that the pet has no existing health conditions. Again, if you are going away for a long time, it is good for the veterinarian to know, and you may schedule regular appointments for checkups.

The pet sitter should also meet the veterinarian so that they know where to seek help in case the pet falls sick while you are away.

Basic Research & Review animal care experience

Check out online resources and review their experience.

Before you hire a pet sitter, it is good to review their experience in caring for pets. A good pet sitter should have the necessary qualifications and lots of experience. They should be able to detect any changes in the behavior of the pet and early signs of disease so that they can take appropriate action. You may consider your veterinarian recommendations for a good pet sitter if you can’t find one.

Schedule a meeting with the pet sitter before you leave

Ask them why they like pet sitting.

It is important to meet the pet sitter before you leave them behind with your pet. You should watch out for their relations with your pet and be keen to check on their friendliness and passion for their job. It is also good to give them instructions on your pet care and emergency contacts in case they need help caring for the pet.

Moreover, a pet sitter will need to spend one on one time with your dog/s so it is important that your pet like this person and don’t show signs of nervousness around them. You will also be able to determine if your pet sitter has a passion for pets in the first meeting.

* Ask them why they like pet sitting
* Check what services they provide
* Ask about training and experience
* Check that the pet sitter is insured
* Make sure they can meet any special needs
* Ask about emergencies

A reasonable schedule

Is the sitter available during the time you will be gone?

A pet sitter who is overloaded with pet care gigs isn’t going to be able to give 100% to your dog, so find out what the sitter’s workload is like. People make mistakes when they’re working for too many hours a week.

Consistency

Check what services they provide.

This can be important if you have a pet that’s a creature of habit. Does your dog need to be walked at a certain time? Do they like their food a certain way? A pet sitter needs to understand the importance of that. But it’s also important when it comes to you dealing with them.

It goes without saying that you’re the expert here on what exactly your little pet needs, so don’t settle for anything less. Take some time to find the right fit for both you and your best friend.

Honesty and reliability

Look for signs of quality pet sitters.

Honesty and reliability are key. You don’t want your pet sitter to skip a feeding or visit without you knowing. Ask your pet sitter to communicate with you daily about how your pets are doing.

Most pet sitters do this as a part of their service and will send you pictures and an update after every visit. This will ensure that you have peace of mind and know that your pets are well looked after.

Back up

You should also have a list of second choice sitters.

Dogs run off. People get locked out. They get sick. What plans does your pet sitter have in play that will fix those pesky problems when they arise? It’s a topic to discuss.

Since you will be away and most probably for a considerable period, it is good to consider a backup caregiver in case your pet sitter fails to meet their obligations due to various reasons. You may also contact a friend or family member to check in regularly just to be sure that the pet is receiving good care. You will enjoy more peace of mind knowing that your pet is ok if you get feedback from your pet sitter and other third parties.

Flexibility

Adjustment is the key.

Some pet sitters come to your house at an agreed upon time or times daily, where others will be able to stay in your home while you are away. Make sure you find a pet sitter that is flexible enough to adjust to your dog’s routine and needs.

Area Specific

The closer, the better.

It is always better to find a pet sitter in your area, as this will save you money. Some pet sitters charge per kilometer they drive to your house. You also need someone to get to your home quickly in an emergency. Find a pet sitter in your area on reputable websites

Pet sitting services are a good way to ensure that you enjoy peace of mind while away from home. Choosing the best service provider will not only help you to enjoy more peace while away, but you are sure that your pet will also be comfortable even in your absence.

HomeLifeAnimals10 Tips to find a reputable small animal pet sitting