What to Look for When Hiring a Dog Sitter In Indian Trail

As a dog owner, it’s natural to be concerned about your furry friend’s well being while you’re on vacation. Ease your worries by hiring a dog sitter who will see to your pup’s every need. According to 2012 data recorded by The Humane Society, 67 million U.S. households own at least one pet, which has led to a rapid increase in pet sitters. In fact, there’s even an official association of professional pet sitters called NAPPS. The next time you take a trip, make sure you hire a dog sitter that’s right for you and your pet.

The Benefits of Hiring a Dog Sitter

Opting to hire a dog sitter instead of booking a stay at a pet hotel is one of the best things you can do for your dog when you go on vacation. Dogs dislike change and prefer routine  so it makes sense they fare better when they’re taken care of in an environment they’ve grown to love, says the pet adoption agency Humane Society Of Union County. Furthermore, a sitter gives your dog one on one attention while you’re away, something he or she wouldn’t get at a boarding kennel. Also, most pet sitters offer other services that are needed when you’re away from home, including plant watering, pet grooming, bringing in the mail and keeping a close eye on your house.

What to Look for in a Dog Sitter

Interviewing a potential candidate is a good idea. But what should you be looking for? All good dog sitters should have commercial liability insurance, bonding and a strong association with a trusted veterinarian, states The Humane Society. Additionally, qualities to look for during an interview include attentiveness to your pet’s preferences and a willingness to provide references from past clients. Another subtle clue is whether or not the dog sitter has pets. Animal lovers usually have a pet or two and, if your sitter doesn’t, he or she might just be in it for the money, not because he or she is passionate about pet care.

Also, make sure to ask about the type of training the sitter has completed. This is particularly important if your pet is temperamental or has a disability or illness; you want your dog sitter to know how to handle pet-related crises. No matter how kind and friendly a sitter is, he or she still needs to be able to act fast during an emergency. Last but not least, introduce your dog to the potential sitter and watch how they interact. If it’s a positive experience and your dog seems comfortable around the dog sitter, you know you’ve found the right person for the job.

Where to Find a Dog Sitter

When looking for a dog sitter, start by asking friends and family for suggestions. It’s always best to choose a pet sitter who is endorsed by pet parents you trust. However, don’t limit your search to the size of your network. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, or NAPA, provides a pet sitter locator that lets you search for a sitter in your area. You can even choose what types of services you’re interested in to narrow down your results. Love and Kisses Pet Sitting can forward you a list of their clients for you to call.

Things to Do Before You Leave Your Dog

There’s nothing worse than trying to get a tan and getting a call every two minutes from your sitter asking where you keep Fido’s treats. Here’s a list of things you need to remember to tell your dog sitter to make his or her job a little easier and your dog’s life more comfortable:

• Write down pet-care instructions, don’t just say them.
• Keep your dog’s updated medical records in one place, including veterinarian information.
• Tell your dog sitter where you keep your dog’s food, treats, toys and supplies.
• Purchase extra supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.
• Leave a spare key with a neighbor.
• Put identification tags on your dog’s collar.
• Go over emergency scenarios and how to handle them.
• Make sure you have your dog sitter’s phone number and/or email address.
• Show your dog sitter your home’s safety features.

If you live in Union County call Love and Kisses Pet Sitting to set up your FREE in home consultation 704-763-9857

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