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How to Find a Sitter for your Dog
By Katie Brandt
Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a
time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation
where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave
your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find
a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available?
How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of
the many questions that you need to answer before you hire
a pet sitter.
You have two main options of where to leave your pet when
you are away. You can take them to a boarding kennel or you
can hire a pet sitter. By hiring a pet sitter it means that your
dog will stay at your home and a pet sitter will visit your home
several times per day to take care of your dog. The following
questions and answers are geared toward those pet owners
that decide to hire a pet sitter to take care of their dog.
Question #1: Where do I find a pet sitter? You can find a pet
sitter through a number of means. Consult your veterinarian,
groomer, and breeder for recommendations. Often times they
know of a reliable pet sitter in your area or they can point you
in the direction of pet sitter services. You can also check with
your friends and family to see if they can refer you to a pet
sitter. Word of mouth referral is a common way to find a pet
sitter.
You can also take a trip to your local pet store or a chain pet
store such as PETCO. Many pet sitters advertise their services
at these places so you can find their contact information. The
pet store owners and staff may know of a great pet sitter as
well.
Another option is to call Pet Sitters International at (800) 268-
SITS or check out their website at http://www.petsit.com/. Pet
Sitters International is the world's largest organization of pet
sitters. Pet Sitters International is highly respected
organization. They offer a multitude of services including
finding a pet sitter based on your zip and giving advice on
how to prepare your home for the pet sitter.
Also spend time researching information about the National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters by calling them at (800)
296-PETS. You can peruse their website at
www.petsitters.org. Not only can you find a pet sitter based
on your zip code, but you can find a "certified" pet sitter. They
offer a certification program that ensures a pet sitter is
knowledgeable about business management, animal care,
and animal health issues. This type of certification can be a
comfort in the event that your dog has a health problem.
Question #2: What type of tasks does a pet sitter do for you
and your pet? A pet sitter is there to provide comfort, help,
and care for your dog while you are away. They will visit your
home on a daily basis to feed your dog, take them for walks,
and let them out to go the bathroom. They can help your dog
with any health ailments or continuing care such as medicines
while you are away.
A pet sitter needs to be informed if your dog has any special
needs. For example, your dog may be elderly and blind or
deaf. Your pet sitter must know this so they can properly help
your dog. Or your dog may be just a puppy and require more
exercise then most dogs. Let your pet sitter know and they
can increase the frequency of visits each day. The pet sitter
should be able to work with your needs.
Your pet sitter will also take the responsibility of taking your
dog to the vet if an accident occurs or the need arises. You
need to let your pet sitter know how you want them to handle
these types of situations and how to contact you in the event
that this happens.
Question #3: How do I find the ¡°best¡± pet sitter for my dog?
Only you can determine the best pet sitter for your dog.
Follow the same procedures you would as if you were hiring a
babysitter for your children. Check out their references,
interview them, and inquire about past work history. How do
they interact with your dog? Speak to former or current clients
to determine if they are right for you.
Also make sure the pet sitter has been certified and/or
bonded and insured. Your dog's life is priceless so you
definitely want a serious professional pet sitter to take care of
your pooch.
Question #4: How much does a pet sitter cost? The cost of a
pet sitter varies based on their experience, your location, the
number of dogs you are leaving, and the level of care you
need for the dogs. Some pet sitters charge on a per visit basis
while others can work with you to determine a reasonable
price. Make sure to have their scope of services and fees in
writing. This will safeguard you against any miscommunication.
Question #5: How should I prepare my home and dog for the
pet sitter? First of all, your dog needs to meet and get to
know the pet sitter before you leave town. Have the pet sitter
visit a few times until your dog is comfortable with their
presence. You don't want to leave and suddenly have a new
person show up to take care of your dog. Your dog may
confuse the pet sitter for an unwanted stranger.
Provide emergency numbers of your veterinarian and also a
number at which they can reach you. You want to make
yourself available by phone in case an emergency pops up.
Make sure your home is clean and the dog food bowls are
clean. Speak with your pet sitter about feeding, walking and
other pet care procedures first, but also leave all the
directions in writing. Verify that this is plenty of dog food for
the length of time you will be gone.
If you following these tips you will find the best pet sitter for
your dog and have a comfortable time on your trip knowing
your dog is in good hands.
About the Author
Katie, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog grooming, dog books & dog products.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/16404.html
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| Some other articles by Katie Brandt | |
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