Pet Life
How to Improve Life for Both You and Your Pet

Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter

Finding the perfect pet sitter can be a daunting task. Certainly, you can ask a family member or a close friend, but they may not always be available during the times you need them. Or they may be allergic to your particular pet or, in the worse case scenario; they may not feel comfortable with your pet. To this end, here are some tips which may help you to find that perfect pet sitter.

If the pet sitter meets all of the following requirements, then you can add his or her name to the list of prospective sitters. What if the opposite is true? You have other options. You can ask your veterinarian if he or she knows of anyone who is qualified to pet sit, or you can contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

No matter how you find someone, make a list of questions before you begin the interview process. For example:

• How long has this person been engaged in pet sitting?
• Can the person commit to the hours you specify?
• If your pet has any special needs, will the pet sitter be able to provide those needs?
• Does the pet sitter own any pets?
• Does the pet sitter drive?
• How does your pet interact with the pet sitter?
• Does the pet sitter have referrals? Ask for a resume.
• Has the pet sitter worked for any association and, if so, has he or she been bonded.

This association offers the best of both worlds in that your pet will be able to remain in his own environment, the professional pet sitter is fully trained for any emergency, can administer medication if necessary and, more importantly, the pet sitter is bonded.

If hiring someone from this agency is not suitable, you may want to ask other pet owners in the neighborhood or at your workplace if they have used a pet sitting service or know of someone who they have used and are completely satisfied with.

If a pet sitter has been referred to you, have him or her come to your home so that you can interview the person. Have the pet available so that you can observe how the potential pet sitter interacts with your pet. Watch every little nuance that clearly gives you a signal that this arrangement is either going to work out or not.

Supermarkets often have postings for people who offer their services, usually in your own neighborhood. You may also wish to contact a pet sitter using this method of contact. It may be young girl who attends high school or perhaps someone who needs to supplement their college tuition.

The bottom line is that entrusting your pet to a stranger can be a bit disconcerting. However, when you find the right person - they can literally be a lifesaver especially if you work long hours or need someone in a pinch.

In the long run, the final say belongs to your pet. They have an inner instinct about people that sometimes we, as humans, cannot detect. Trust those instincts and your own. They will never fail you.

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