Hiring Tips

 
Sizing Up a Prospective Pet Sitter

• Ask to see proof of current insurance and/or bonding.
• Ask for client references and check them.
• How long has the pet sitter been in business?
• How much pet experience does that sitter have?
• Do they know animal first aid and CPR?
• What if weather prevents the sitter from getting to your house?
• What does the sitter do if there is an emergency and your veterinarian’s     office is closed?
• Does the sitter have a written service contract and pet information form?
• Sitter should ask for your pet’s routine on eating, sleeping, potty breaks, walking, exercise, medications, medical history, hiding places, favorite toys, problems such as barking or chewing, vaccination history, your veterinarian’s place of business and telephone number.
• Ask how long are your sitter’s visits.
• Ask how you will communicate in case of an emergency.

Why Hire a Pet Sitter?

All pets are unique and have varying individual needs, but all pets rely on the comfort and security of their home, family and daily routine.  Using a pet sitter allows your pets to remain in familiar surroundings and to maintain a normal schedule.  Pet sitters become part of the family - trusted caregivers who visit your home and provide individualized loving attention to your pets and home. Pet sitters provide not only food, water, exercise and medications, but also play time, petting and sweet talk. Pet sitters follow the routine you have established with your pets.  Your home benefits from the extra security with routine visits to your home daily. Newspapers and mail promptly collected, porch lights turned on and off, blinds and drapes adjusted, trash curbed for collection and interior lights rotated.

So don’t go on vacation and send your best friend to the Kitty Corral or Puppy Prison.  You’ll be in Tahiti having the time of your life, while Spot and Fluffy could be in a cellblock next to a gang of yippy-yappy canines or cats with long mean claws ready for pouncing. Have a pet sitter visit Spot and Fluffy in the comfort of his/her home, and you’ll have peace of mind.  This way Spot & Fluffy won’t be searching for a pair of ruby red slippers while barking/meowing “There’s no place like home!”

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