What to do with your dogs when you are going away and can’t take them with you, is an issue many dog owners wrestle with. You can take the dog to a kennel or ask friends or neighbors to look after the dog. However, hiring a dog sitter is becoming a preferred option. Your dog stays in familiar surroundings plus there’s someone to make your home looked lived-in while you’re away.
Why should you hire a pet sitter?
Your dog remains in familiar surroundings – it will be happier and less traumatized by your absence.
An important factor is that the dog’s exposure to illness is minimized. You have ensured that the dog’s diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted.
Then there’s the ease of having someone who will come to your home; you don’t have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel or pick them up. When you get back, you walk into a well-cared for home with happy dogs welcoming you back.
There’s someone living in your home, or at least visiting it a few times a day, so your property is more secure and potential burglars needn’t even know you’re gone.
You have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by someone who considers looking after pets a job, who will know what to do should something goes wrong.
It may be an option to ask neighbors, friends or family to look after your dog, but it’s a big responsibility to take on. The person is doing you a huge favor and you do run the risk of damaging a close relationship if something goes wrong.
Even when you’ve decided to hire a pet sitter, you don’t want anybody in your home, and you need the dog to get along with the person.
Here’s what you should know when you hire a pet sitter.
How do you find a reliable pet sitter? The first option is word of mouth – ask friends, neighbors, and colleagues who may have used a sitter. You can also Google professional pet sitting services.
Set up a meeting (at home) so that you can introduce your dog to the sitter. This will give both of you the opportunity to see if you’re a good fit. Ask about experience and previous clients you can contact. Be clear about what is expected – special medication, exercise, do and don’ts. Also extras like watering plants, dealing with garden services.
It’s a good idea to first hire the sitter for a day or weekend before you hire the person for an extended period of time. This will give you a good idea of your dog, the sitter and you will get along.
Once you’ve decided to hire the sitter, book as far as possible in advance. Reliable and popular sitters are often fully booked weeks and months in advance – particularly during holidays.
Leave detailed instructions – in writing – before you leave. It should include all information about the daily routine, your vet’s details and contact numbers in an emergency. Show the sitter how to use your home’s security system if you have one. Also, make sure there is enough supplies to last while you’re away.
Set up a way to communicate while you’re away. Regular feedback via text messages and email (with photos of the happy pet!) is a good idea.
You may initially be relunctant in giving someone access to your home and treasured pets but establishing a good relationship with a reliable pet sitter is worthwhile. It’ll provide you with new freedom to go away without feeling guilty or worrying about your pets.