Key Takeaways
– Finding the perfect pet sitter takes time and effort
– Your pet sitter will become an essential part of your pet’s care team, so it’s crucial to evaluate candidates carefully
– Look for pet sitters with qualifications, first aid and CPR training, and insurance
– Avoid pet sitters without insurance, lack of first aid and CPR training, and do not require information and a meet and greet
– Use well-respected pet sitter directories such as NAPPS, PSI, and Fear Free Pets
– Plan ahead and avoid last-minute requests, as responsible sitters often need time to assess compatibility
– Pet sitters may require lots of information and records; plan to answer questions and fill out paperwork
– Always schedule an in-person meet and greet; never accept a new pet sitter without one
– Use a meet and greet as an interview opportunity. This is likely your last step before making a decision.
Are you looking for a pet sitter to care for your beloved pets while you’re away? Finding the perfect pet sitter takes more than picking the first name that pops up. Take the time to find a sitter who not only prioritizes your pet’s health, but also their happiness and safety. By following these steps to navigate the process and make the best choice for your family.
What to Look for in a Pet Sitter
Your pet sitter will become an essential part of your pet’s care team, so it’s crucial to evaluate candidates carefully. While your preferences may vary, here are some key traits and qualifications to look for:
Must-Haves:
- Insurance and Bonding: Ensures accountability and professionalism
- First Aid and CPR Certification: Prepares them for unexpected emergencies
- Training and Certification: Demonstrates dedication to professional development
- Positive Reviews: Reflects trustworthiness and reliability
- Genuine Love for Pets: Shows in their interactions with animals
- Meet and Greet Requirement: Ensures compatibility between sitter and pet
- Information Requests: Indicates attention to detail and care
Red Flags:
- Lack of insurance or bonding
- Willingness to accept bookings without asking questions
- Skipping the meet and greet
- No First Aid or CPR training
- Poor customer reviews
- Unorganized or unreliable communication
Platforms like Rover and Wag make finding pet sitters easier, but remember: not everyone on these sites will meet your standards. Be thorough in your evaluation to find the best match for your pet. Include searches on pet sitting directories such as NAPPS, PSI, and Fear Free Pets.
Your Role as a Pet Parent
As a pet parent, you lead your pet’s care team, which may include veterinarians, behaviorists, trainers, groomers, and pet sitters to name a few. You are responsible for providing clear information and, therefore, setting your sitter up for success. Additionally, approach the process like hiring a key team member, knowing your choice directly impacts your pet’s well-being. Remember that as the pet parent carrying the primary responsibility to ensure your pets thrive, your choice of a care team is vital.
Be Respectful of Time
Finding the perfect pet sitter takes time. Avoid last-minute requests, as responsible sitters often need time to assess compatibility. Instead, plan ahead to show respect and increase the likelihood of finding a sitter who’s a great fit.
Share Key Information
Be ready to provide detailed information about your pet and household. At Burnell Pet Care and Education, we require a Client Profile Form and Pet Profile Form. Information a pet sitter may require include:
- Basic Details: Name, age, weight, spay/neuter status.
- Health Info: Vaccination records, Rabies certificate, medical conditions, allergies.
- Care Instructions: Feeding schedule, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime routine.
- Emergency Contacts: veterinarian, backup contacts, designated temporary guardian
- Additional Info: Microchip, temperament, behavioral issues, fears and anxieties, favorite treats and toys
Providing this information upfront helps the sitter prepare for all scenarios; from daily care to unexpected emergencies. An Emergency Action Plan is a critical component for any responsible pet sitter. Your direct input dictates the very actions your pet sitter may take to render aid and provide safety to your beloved pets.
Preparing for the Meet and Greet
Once you’ve identified a potential sitter, schedule an in-person meet and greet. Schedule for at least one hour to allow for a proper discussion. This step is essential for building trust and ensuring compatibility. Here’s how to prepare:
Before the Meeting
- Organize Information: Gather all essential details about your pet.
- Plan for the Arrival: Share instructions to ensure a smooth introduction, especially if your pet has specific triggers or quirks. Set your pet and potential pet sitter up for success.
- Prepare Questions: Ask about their experience, policies, training, and approach to emergencies.
During the Meeting
- Start Slow: It’s tempting to begin a meeting by sharing lots of information. Rather, wait for the initial excitement to fade. There’s a good chance your pet is taking most of the pet sitter’s attention at the very beginning. Be cognizant of that furry distraction.
- Observe Interactions: Watch how the sitter engages with your pets. Do they seem comfortable and attentive?
- Tour Your Home: Show them where key items like food, litterboxes, and leashes are located.
- Have a Conversation: Discuss their approach to care and address any concerns.
Take this opportunity to evaluate whether the sitter aligns with your expectations and your pet’s needs. Certainly, the pet sitter is taking this same opportunity to evaluate you, your home, and your pet for compatibility.
Making the Final Decision
After the meet and greet, both you and the sitter should feel confident in moving forward. If you’ve found a sitter who checks all the boxes and makes your pet feel comfortable, congratulations! You’ve successfully added a trusted member to your pet’s care team. Now, you can relax knowing your pet is in good hands while you’re away.