People often like to get away on vacation. Pets rarely do. That's why pet owners often find that the most stressful part of planning a vacation is arranging for their pets' care. Hire the neighbor's son to feed the cat? Put the dog in the kennel? Ask a relative to feed and exercise the horses or feed the pet boa and clean its cage? Almost as stressful are the moments during the vacation when owners wonder if the neighbor's son remembered to come or if the relative would recognize signs that the pet is sick.
Recently many pet parents have discovered a better alternative—professional in-home pet sitters who come into pet owners' homes at agreed-upon times to provide loving, informed pet day care.
Pets experience less stress when they stay in familiar surroundings with a familiar routine. And pet parents enjoy worry-free time away—whether on vacation or traveling for business—knowing that an experienced sitter will handle any pet-care emergencies.
In-home pet care
The key to worry-free time away is finding a trustworthy sitter. Two pet-sitter organizations—Pet Sitters International and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters—list member pet sitters in a given zip-code area. In addition, both websites help pet parents ask potential sitters the right questions before signing a contract.
Bonded and insured pet sitters
Start with phone interviews of pet sitters in your area. The first question you'll want to ask is whether the pet sitter can show proof that she or he is bonded and has liability insurance. If the answer is no, consider moving on to another sitter. Remember, the person you hire will be coming into your home while you're gone. Members of either Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters have access to insurance that's tailored to pet care professionals. Ask for details about a pet sitter's insurance. Does it cover damage to your home? Does it cover transportation to your vet, if necessary?
Another phone-interview question might be how and when you can contact the sitter while you're away. Explain your needs during the phone interview to be sure the sitter can give you the service you're looking for. Do you want doggie day care? Do you want the sitter to feed your hamsters once a day and clean their cage every other day? Ask if the pet sitter has a website, which might answer questions you forgot to ask or suggest additional services the sitter can provide, such as pet massage, newspaper and mail retrieval, or opening and closing drapes.
While you have the pet sitter on the phone, ask about rates and about experience with pets like yours. For example, if your pet is an indoor dog that needs to be walked, you'll want someone who has experience walking dogs. Ask to see references.
Meet your pet-care professional
Professional pet sitters will expect to meet with new clients. Some may charge for this time; many do not. Kari Monson of Sit, Stay & Play! Pet Sitting in Colorado does not charge for an initial meeting. She sees it as a job interview. "If I don't impress them, they will use someone else," she said.
When a prospective pet sitter comes to your home, he or she should bring a contract, along with the certificate of insurance and recommendations you asked to see. Read the contract to be sure you know all that's in it and that it's professional. Then introduce the sitter to your pet and watch the interaction. You want a pet sitter who is comfortable and positive with a new animal. (If the pet sitter doesn't want to touch your pet boa, you might look for another sitter.) On the other hand, Pet Sitters International suggests that you not try to force your pet to like the sitter immediately. Shy animal may require time to build trust.
Ask how much time the sitter will spend with your pet. And be sure to talk with the sitter about potential problems. Will the sitter take your pet to your vet if necessary? What signs that your pet needs vet care will he look for? What happens if your sitter has a personal emergency and can't get to your home while you're gone? Does she have backup? And is the backup also insured?
The National Association of Pet Sitters suggests that once you've signed a contract with a sitter, you should show her where to find cleaning supplies and where the fuse box is—just in case. Finally, check that the key you give the sitter works in your door.
Time spent finding the right pet sitter and then getting to know the sitter will bring peace of mind in the years to come. For once-a-year vacationers or people who travel frequently for business, feeling confident that pets are in good hands is more than worth the price of a professional pet sitter's time.
Alison Imbriaco - null
