Pet Sitter for the Holidays | The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, perfect for spending quality time with friends and family. Many people love to travel across the world to explore new places and cultures during the holidays. However, if you have a dog at home, it is best to hire a professional pet sitter to look after your furry friend till you get back home.
Finding a professional pet sitter is not as straightforward as you may think. Ensuring that your dog remains happy and healthy while you are not there is crucial. Besides, there are many factors to consider before finalizing the perfect pet sitter for your dog. We have compiled a list of ways to choose the right pet sitter for the holiday season.
Most pet sitters accept pet-sitting requests at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Approaching a pet sitter a week prior to leaving for holidays may not work out in your favor. Therefore, if you are planning to travel without your dog, you must shortlist a few pet sitters ahead of time.
The pet sitter profile can help you decide if they are suitable for your dog or not. Before interviewing a potential pet sitter, check out their LinkedIn profile. It may include all the information you are looking for. For example, whether the pet sitter owns a business license for your city or not. In addition, you will know whether they are a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) or volunteered in pet-care training. Similarly, you can read the client’s reviews to evaluate their professionalism and trustworthiness.
Once you have gathered all the details of a professional pet sitter, now it’s time to call them in for an interview. Firstly, ask if they are insured or bonded. Next, you can ask them to provide proof of clear criminal history. Also, you need to discuss the rules and regulations of the agreement or contract. If the pet sitter seems perfect for your dog, it is best to introduce them to the dog at home.
Every dog has a unique nature and personality that differs from the rest of the dogs. Therefore, writing down detailed instructions to train the pet sitter is a good idea. It will be easier for the pet sitter to understand your dog’s likes, dislikes, and overall behavior. For example, if your dog starts getting aggressive when feeling hungry or thirsty, you need to inform the pet sitter beforehand. In addition, include your dog’s feeding and exercise schedule, list of medications, dosage, and signs that your dog needs medicines.
Once you have hired the pet sitter, giving them a tour of your home is crucial. Introduce them to your dog’s potty spot, bathing area, pantry, crate, toys, and the rooms or areas to avoid. For example, opening the basement door may cause an injury to your dog or lead the dog to the traffic outside the house. Next, show them the designated room for the pet sitter to stay in.
Looking after a dog is a huge responsibility. From health issues to behavioral changes, your dog may undergo personality changes in your absence. As a result, your dog is likely to step out of the house to find you, and it may become challenging for the pet sitter to search for your dog. In case of an emergency, the pet sitter may require someone to make a decision for your dog. Ensure that you leave emergency numbers for the pet sitter to contact you or your trusted friends and family members.
Pet sitters can charge anywhere from $12 to $50 per day. Discussing the charges according to the responsibilities of the pet sitter in the initial conversation will help clarify the confusions that may arise later. Moreover, depending on the pet sitter’s expertise, experience, and bonding with your dog, you can negotiate the charges. Similarly, if your dog needs extra attention while feeding, bathing, or going out for a walk, be prepared to pay extra dollars to the pet sitter.
Trusting another person to look after your beloved pet is not easy. It is common to have negative thoughts while leaving your dog with a new pet sitter. Therefore, it is essential that you communicate with the pet sitter a couple of times a day. Video chats will keep you updated with your dog’s daily routine. In addition, you can install CCTV footage in your home to keep an eye on your dog and to provide you that extra sense of security and peace of mind.
Your beloved dog deserves a person who knows how to take care of its needs and wants. From playing together and going out for a walk to visiting the vet for a follow-up appointment, ensure that the pet sitter carries out all tasks without any hassle. A good pet sitter who knows how to look after your dog is worth every penny. So, take your time to find the perfect pet sitter for your little companion. However, if you are skeptical about your dog becoming sad or upset in your absence, rewarding your dog with new treats will eliminate all the worries. Check out PUCCI Cafe to deliver new dog toys and essentials to your doorstep during the holiday season.
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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Here are a some adoptions for consideration: puccicafe.com/adoptions