Pet Sitters
We asked a professional pet sitter what you should expect when you hire a pet sitter:
- When is a petsitter an appropriate choice?
- Advantages of using a professional petsitter
- What exactly is a professional petsitter?
- Where to find a petsitter
- Telephone inquiry
- The first interview
- Questions to ask
- Client no no's
When is a petsitter the right choice for you?
You are preparing for that long-awaited vacation or have to be away for personal or professional reasons and are considering what to do with your animal family. Perhaps arrangements that worked in the past are no longer available and you are considering using the services of a petsitter.
If you live in an urban or suburban area, locating a petsitting service is not difficult, the question is if this is the right choice for you and your pets. Having in home pet care has many benefits, however not every animal is an ideal candidate for this service. The information provided is to help you decide what is the best choice that fits your individual situation.
Advantages:
The pet is able to stay in their own environment, on their own schedule. Pets, even more so then humans, crave continuity and ritual. Changes in environment can be very upsetting and even dangerous to young, elderly, or infirm pets. Keeping them in their own home significantly reduces the stress of your absence.
Kenneling can expose your pet to a variety of illness and parasites and the sights and sounds and smells are completely unfamiliar to them at a time when they are already stressed by the disappearance of their human family.
Their home environment is much more conducive to comfort then a kennel. Kennels, full of other anxious cats and dogs are notoriously and almost continuously, loud. This can be extremely stressful to the animal.
The pet is able to receive undivided time and attention in the comfort of their own environment. Their schedule can be arranged so that feedings and playtime coordinate with that of the absent family.
Petsitters usually include other services such as plant watering, bringing in the mail, turning lights on and off, which can also serve as a crime deterrent.
Who is not a good candidate for in home care:
Dogs have to have a reasonably friendly temperament. Though most dogs will bark at a stranger entering their home, the animal and petsitter should have established a good rapport during the initial interview. Aggressive dogs should be kenneled in their owners' absence.
What is a professional petsitter and what questions should I ask?
The key word is professional. A professional petsitter will have a long and varied experience with a range of pets in many different situations. A professional will carry some type of insurance and/or bonding and will have their business registered and licensed through the city/county. A professional will be glad to share letters of recommendation and/or direct referrals of previous clients. Call them.
A professional will have some type of written contract outlining the date and type of service to be provided and will have a clause giving permission for veterinary care if the animal becomes ill in your absence.
A professional petsitter will want to meet with you and your animal family prior to providing care. This first meeting is crucial. What is the interaction between your pet and the sitter? The petsitter should gather information regarding feeding, location of supplies, emergency contacts, and a thorough social and medical history of the animals to be cared for.
Where to find a petsitter?
You may find advertising from petsitters in a range of forums: telephone yellow pages, bulletin boards in your neighborhood pet store, grooming salon, or veterinary clinic. Personal referrals are a good source as well. Ask for referrals from veterinary staff as they will probably have heard first hand from their own clients of reputable service providers. Choose two or three that appeal to you as this is a good way for a newcomer to get an idea though informal telephone interviewing of what different animal care service business's provide.
Telephone Inquiry
In all probability your initial call will be answered by some type of answering service or machine. By the nature of this business, animal care providers are rarely in office during traditional hours. Be thorough and brief in your message, stating clearly your name, both your work and home telephone number, source of referral (i.e.: veterinarian, bulletin board, friend, etc.) type and number of animals needing care, and approximate area and dates. You can expect a reply within 24 hours.
After a brief telephone interview with the petsitter, both of you should have enough information to ascertain whether this is the right service and provider to meet your needs. Be aware that the petsitter will also be conducting their own interview of you.
The first interview
If it is not a holiday period, most pet care providers should be able to schedule the initial interview within a seven day period. This interview should last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. You may expect to pay an initial setup fee equal to the cost of one visit, usually between fourteen to twenty-five dollars during the first meeting.
During this crucial first meeting I would recommend paying particular attention to the interactions between the service provider and your pet(s). Does she/he seem to genuinely enjoy animals? What is your pets reaction to him/her? Does the provider conduct a thorough medical and social history of each animal? Is there a formal service agreement clearly stating dates, times and fee of care? What services beyond basic pet care does the petsitter provide? How much time is allotted per visit?
This is someone you are not only entrusting with your animal companions but your home as well. Review security precautions i.e.: the lock that is a bit argumentative, lights to be turned on and off, as well as others who may have access to your home during your absence , etc.
Be prepared to have at least one extra set of keys that are pretested by you prior to this first meeting. The petsitter should also have the telephone number of where you may be reached, neighborhood emergency contact, your veterinarians phone number and address as well as written permission to obtain emergency treatment for your animals if such a need arises.
Client no-no's
I have worked as a pet care provider for several years now and have been blessed in meeting many extraordinary animals as well as developing both long term professional and personal relationships with their families. However, there are some things that can be maddening to the provider:
- Don't call a few days before a major holiday and expect to find a petsitter available on such short notice. Most holidays are booked weeks and even months in advance. Calling early insures that there will be time available for your animal family.
- Do leave enough food and supplies to cover your absence. Though your provider may be able to purchase supplies for you with advance notice at additional expense, no one likes to scrape the bottom of the food container as pairs of hungry eyes are anxiously await their meal. Also, time is scheduled to not only provide basic care but playtime and socialization, too. A harried petsitter who must rush about at the last minute trying to secure food or litter is not going to be able to provide a superior level of care.
- Don't allow others access to your home during your absence without clearly informing your petsitter first. I tell all my clients that if I see someone other then they or a prementioned service person I will treat that person as an intruder and immediately call the police.
- Do leave clear and current information as to your location and phone number where you can be reached during your absence.
- Don't allow others access to your home unless absolutely necessary. No one wants to run into Joe-Bob lounging on the couch when they come to provide care for your animals. Also, the petsitter is ultimately responsible not only for the care of your animals, but your home and possessions as well.
- Do reserve well in advance. Many providers who have already have an established relationship with you will try to accommodate emergency absences, however this is never a guarantee that they will be available at the last moment.
- Don't neglect to tell your provider about potential health or behavioral problems. Knowing that little Ralphie snarls and bites when his belly is rubbed or that Suzy the cat is known to urinate on your bed is information your provider needs to know in advance.
- Do call as soon as you return. There are many unexpected events that may delay your arrival. I continue to provide and bill for care until I hear that the family has returned.
- Don't forget to pay in advance. Most of us are petsitters because we love caring and spending time with animals. Each moment that is spent writing billing statements or chasing down payment is time that is taken away from the animals entrusted in our care.
- Do have a wonderful vacation/business trip/visit with great Aunt Martha knowing that your home is secure, your animal family is well cared for, loved and happily awaiting your return.
