The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means hitting the road and traveling to go visit friends and family. Sometimes, sadly, it’s not possible to take along your ‘best friend.’ That’s why finding the perfect pet sitter is so important in getting the best care for your pets while you’re away. Knowing that your pets are safe and in great care with a trained and educated pet sitter will give you peace of mind while you are away.
But how do you know how to find the right trusted pet care provider? We’ve got some tips to help you make a more informed decision:
Where to look?
There are several reliable ways to help you find a great pet sitter. You can ask your veterinarian or your friends for references, and you can ask your trainer to help you make a more informed decision. Those who have found someone they really like and trust with their pets are most helpful in finding someone to care for your best friends.
What to ask?
The Humane Society of the United States has a great list of specifics to look for to screen po-tential pet sitters. A few of the most important ones are:
- Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?
- What training has the pet sitter completed?
- Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet—such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
- And many more questions you can ask to help you be more prepared.
Experience and Training:
Probably two of the most important qualities to look for in a pet sitter are experience and knowledge. You want someone that knows the proper and best way to care for your pets. Pet care providers that are trained, educated and experienced know how to handle any situation that may arise while you are away. Each pet is different and no situation is alike, from temperaments to pet first aid, it is important that you find someone who has the knowledge, experience, and training when it comes to watching your beloved pets.
Reliability, Trustworthiness & Reviews:
As an employer seeking someone to take care of your pets, you want someone that is reliable. They are going to be taking care of a member of your family, so being able to trust is very im-portant. Being able to feel confident that your pets will be safe and comfortable with the pet sitter is incredibly crucial. How do you find out if those you are evaluating are reliable and trustworthy? Check their references on social media, Yelp and Google +.
Now that you know what to look for in a qualified, experienced pet sitter, you can rest easy knowing that your best friends are safe and sound while you’re away!
