If you’re anything like us, you dream of being able to stay home all day with your pet. But not everyone can work from home, and no matter how much of a homebody you may be, you’ll need a vacation from time to time.
Leaving your pet home alone can be a source of anxiety for both of you. Even if you can find someone to drop in and feed them, they’ll be missing out on all the fun they get to have with you—going for walks, cuddling up on the couch, and playing outside. Boarding your pet in a place that’s not familiar to them can end up just as stressful.
So, why not hire a pet sitter? A sitter will be able to spend enough time with your pet to make sure they’re comfortable and happy. You’ll never have to worry whether your fluffy friend is lonely or bored again—they’ll be busy on their playdate!
But where should you start your search? How do you know if someone is the perfect fit? Below, we’ll share 7 tips for finding the best pet sitter for your unique needs.
Narrow Your Search Criteria
Different pets have different needs. Are you looking for someone who can take your dog on regular walks? Someone who can drop by quick just to feed your shy cat and clean their litter box? Or do you need someone who has experience with exotic animals and doesn’t flinch at the thought of feeding your snake?
You may have a pet that has a medical condition or disability. In this case, it may be important to find someone who has experience with things such as administering medications or has a certification in pet CPR and first aid.
Each pet sitter has their own experience and may or may not be suited to the specific services you’re looking for. Write down a list of things you need your pet sitter to be both willing to do and capable of offering. This will help you narrow down your search.
Settle on a Budget
This sounds like a no-brainer, but people often get hit with unexpected fees.
We all wish we had infinite money to pamper our furrier family members, but that’s rarely realistic. Every pet sitter and pet sitting company will have a different price for their services. Some pet sitters have a fee for the gas it takes to travel to your home or charge extra for more than one pet.
Make sure that the pet sitters you are considering are within your budget before you reach out for an interview.
Compile a List of Candidates
There are many avenues for finding great pet sitters. Ask if any of your friends with pets have had great sitters in the past. They may be able to connect you with them and offer first-hand insight into how that pet sitter works.
There are also several reputable companies that can match you with one in your area. Many of these companies require employees to go through background checks to verify that they are safe to be around your pet and in your home.
Some even require their sitters to have certifications to equip them with as much knowledge as possible about their responsibilities. You can be sure the pros will provide your pet with all the exercise, playtime, and cuddles they need.
Online Reviews
Once you’ve made a list of potential pet sitters, it’s time to dive into the world of online reviews. If you choose to go through a professional company, they’ll usually have reviews in their app or on their website for you to look through.
If the sitter is not employed by one of these organizations, they may have a personal website or a page on Yelp with reviews from previous clients. Look for reviews from pet parents with the same priorities as you for the most accurate representation.
Knowing your sitter has already been pet-tested and owner-approved will give you some peace of mind.
Set Up a Meet and Greet
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to the last few, you’ll want to arrange a time to meet the pet sitters and introduce them to your pet. It’s important to get a good idea of whether the sitter’s personality matches your pet’s.
For example, some dog breeds have more energy than others and require a sitter who is willing and able to take them on frequent walks and play with them. That means their pent-up energy goes into chasing tennis balls instead of chewing up your lovely furniture.
Ask the Right Interview Questions
Here are a few important questions to ask your pet sitter in the interview that may help you make your decisions.
1. What does your schedule look like?
Make sure your sitter’s schedule aligns with yours. Throwing your pet off the rhythm they’re used to can cause unnecessary stress and get them started off on the wrong paw.
2. Do you have experience with my pet’s breed/disability/species?
If your pet is disabled in some way that requires CPR or first aid certification, medication administration, close supervision, or more frequent check-ins, make sure your sitter is prepared and capable of taking on this responsibility.
If you have a breed or exotic animal that has special care requirements, it’s important to gauge whether your sitter is comfortable interacting with them and able to provide adequate care.
3. Do you have your own pets at home?
If they do have pets, asking how they care for their own animals can show you a glimpse of their knowledge.
However, there are many possible reasons why they may not have pets. So, don’t discount them too soon if they don’t have a fluffy friend of their own. That might just mean they’ve saved all their love for yours!
4. Do you have any references I can contact?
Online reviews are always helpful, but sometimes you need to hear it from someone you know for certain isn’t a bot.
5. Do you have a backup plan if you can’t show up?
Unpredictable things are bound to come up, and there may be a day when your pet sitter can’t make it to your house. You should always agree on a backup plan to ensure your pet is well taken care of until the sitter is able to resume their work.
Prepare Your Pet Sitter
Besides a rundown on your pet’s general care, your sitter will need any emergency contacts, as well as directions to your vet. These details are crucial for your pet’s safety and well-being.
Remember that even someone with decades of experience will need a heads-up on your pet’s unique quirks as well.
For example, if your pet doesn’t like to be picked up or has a sore spot they don’t like being touched, this is important for the sitter to know so neither of them get hurt.
Follow these 7 tips for success, and your pet is bound to have a blast with their new friend!
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