The Holiday season is upon us and if you are traveling, finding a pet sitter is a priority if your furry bundle is not traveling with you. So, where do you begin? Dog ID Collar wants to help you make the best decision for your furry best friend. First thing is to determine whether you want someone to care for your pet at your home or if you are going to take your pet to a pet care facility. There are many things to consider when choosing and finding a pet sitter. Hiring a professional and trusted pet sitter will give you a lot of peace. Due to the emergence of many pet sitting companies, it can be difficult for you to determine whether the pet sitter you want to hire is the right one for you.
If you choose to bring someone into your home, it’s important that you feel comfortable and that you can trust the person in your home. On the other hand, if you decide to board your pet, you want to make sure that the facility you choose fits your pet’s needs. Before you make your decision, do some research on your candidates. Below are our tips to help you find the right pet sitter for your dog.
Tips for Finding a Pet Sitter
Go for A Local Company
Some pet owners prefer to hire a professional pet sitting company or boarding facility that is reputable and known in your locality. Finding a pet sitter locally is just more convenient. This is because these companies specialize in pet care as their primary service and will have a whole team in their operations. These companies usually have staff who have undergone training on animal behavior and know how to take care of pets of any kind. Local companies that have a license have solid procedures and processes in place, and you can be sure that everything will go smoothly. You want to leave your pet with a professional who understands their role and has the right experience to handle any situation. You can also try out solo sitters if they have good reviews from previous clients.
Referrals
Relying on people you trust such as friends that own pets, your veterinarian, and family for recommendations is a good idea. This strategy saves you from going through the lengths of finding a pet sitter. Other pet owners will give you great leads when it comes to finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility because they might have used the service before. Your veterinarian can also be very helpful because they may know someone who offers incredible pet care services. You can also check with the professional pet organizations such as Pet Sitters International and International Boarding & Pet Services Association for further insight. Such organizations are great because they train and certify pet care professionals. This puts you at ease because you know that your pet is in safe hands. If you find pet care professional or boarding facility that you like, it is a good idea to ensure that they are bonded and insured. Ask them for contacts from some of their previous clients so that you can check their references.
Do Interviews
Another great way to determine whether you have the right person for the job is through interviews. Once you identify a few pet care professionals and boarding facilities that you like, it is good to organize a physical interview or a visit to the facility, be sure that you take your pet along for the visit. By interacting with the candidates, you will be able to learn a lot about them, and this will enable you to make an informed decision during the process of finding a pet sitter. During the interview, make sure to ask questions like, what types of pets they have specialized in, how many years of experience they have and gauge their reaction to your pet during the interview. Choose someone who has worked with your type of pet before because they will have the skills of handling that pet. Ask the caregiver about the courses that they have taken. You should confirm that they have basic training courses, behavior modification courses, and has some knowledge of pet first aid.
Pros and Cons of Hiring A Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home is very convenient during the holidays. You will have the comfort of knowing that your pet is being cared for, fed and given attention in your absence. The disadvantage, however, is that the pet sitter has full access to your home. An in-home sitter means that the pet sitter will stay in your home for several days. Therefore, it is especially important that you can trust the person caring for your pet in your home. Make sure that you know the schedule of when the pet sitter will be away from your home. If your pet is used to always having someone around and the pet sitter is not at home for hours, your pet may become anxious and lonely. This can be detrimental to the health of your dog and cause anxiety and stress.
Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding
Choosing to board your pet instead of finding a pet sitter has its advantages and disadvantages. With pet boarding, your pet gets the chance to play with other pets. And, your pet will be carefully monitored. At a boarding facility, your pet will be fed and cared for based on the schedule of information you provide. The plus is that your pet will also have plenty of pet attendants to snuggle and play with in addition to new doggy buddies. The disadvantage of pet boarding is that some dogs may not do well in boarding facilities. In these instances, your pet may have added stress and anxiety. If you decide that you want to board your pet for the holidays we recommend that you acclimate your pet to the facility by bringing them to doggy daycare for a few days so that your pet can get used to their new surroundings and become more comfortable.
Finding a pet sitter can be a daunting task. However, research and interviews make a world of difference when choosing the right pet care provider. Be prepared with your questions and know ahead of time what your expectations are. This will allow you to communicate effectively. Dog ID Collars’ guide to finding a pet sitter will hopefully help you during this holiday season. You will be at peace knowing that your pet is safe and being well taken care of.