Tips for Finding the Right Pet Sitter

Going away for the weekend should be a relaxing thing. For pet owners, though, the anxiety of leaving a fur baby can be intense. Finding the right pet sitter can be challenging but not impossible. You must find someone who loves your pet and around whom your pet feels comfortable.

Finding the right match may take some time, but there are terrific sitters out there who will cherish your pet while you are away. Consider these attributes of a quality sitter, and know the red flags for someone who will not fit the bill. 

Qualities of a Competent Pet Sitter

In a perfect world, your pet sitter would be someone with whom your pet is familiar. However, this is not always possible. If you must hire a stranger to sit with your pet, it is a good idea to ask for recommendations from coworkers, friends, neighbors, or family members. This way, you can better trust the person with whom you are entrusting your pet.

Before hiring someone as a pet sitter, you should ask about their work history and preferences. Some sitters may prefer dogs, while others may better connect with cats. A few may even be willing to babysit cats and dogs together. 

1. Punctual

When you have plans to go out of town, you need a pet sitter who will not make you run late. If possible, have your sitter come a few days before you leave so you can go over instructions without feeling rushed. You should give instructions for food allowance, exercise preferences, and daily schedules.

Be clear about what time you need the sitter to arrive on your departure date. Punctuality is essential if your pet cannot be left alone for long periods. If your sitter is dropping in on your pet throughout the day, ensure she knows what times to be there. 

2. Good Listener

When receiving care instructions for your pet, your sitter needs to be attentive and intentional. Diet requirements and pet preferences are serious matters, and the caretaker must be aware of these things. Write down all instructions for your caretaker for easy reference. Keep this reference sheet in a prominent location such as the refrigerator.

Allow the sitter to ask questions about your pet's care before your departure and give your phone number for any concerns while you are gone. Ensure your sitter knows which vet clinic your pet uses and has contact information for that facility. 

3. Experienced

Experience is not an absolute requirement to be a good pet sitter. Many animal lovers are not formal pet sitters but would make excellent temporary guardians. The most important thing is that the person caring for your cat or dog is willing to provide the best possible care for your furry friend. 

Although experience is not paramount, it is helpful. Those who have sat with animals before know how to manage different temperaments of cats and dogs. They can follow the owner's specific instructions and know when to call for an emergency. Always ask a potential sitter what type of experience they bring.

4. Accessible

Sometimes, you may have to go away for a day or the weekend unexpectedly. While it is courteous to give ample notice, you sometimes need a sitter who can be available on short notice. Choose a sitter with whom you have good communication. Even if she cannot help you this time, it is beneficial to receive a reply.

When possible, give your sitter at least two weeks' notice when you need him. This way, he will be able to plan around the job. Ideally, offer as much notice as possible, and follow up before your scheduled trip.

Qualities of an Unsatisfactory Pet Sitter

While there are many excellent pet sitters, not everyone is the right fit. Before leaving your furry pal with a caretaker, you need to ensure they are competent at keeping your pet happy and safe. There are some red flags to monitor, and you should not feel obligated to hire a sitter again if you are not satisfied with their performance. The hunt for the perfect pet sitter is worth it for your pet's wellbeing and contentment. 

1. Unreliable

Few things are more frustrating than a pet sitter who does not show up on time. Tardiness is even more irritating when you are leaving for a trip. If a pet sitter is consistently late to your meetings, consider this a red flag. While everyone runs behind now and then, chronic lateness shows a lack of responsibility. This trait is not something you want to encourage in your dog or cat's babysitter. 

2. Poor Listener

Every pet is different, so your pet sitter must adapt to your fur baby's needs. As you give instructions regarding your pet's care, make sure the sitter is engaged and taking notes. If he seems unconcerned, perhaps it is time to search for the next sitter. He cannot approach pet sitting as a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Without listening closely to your instructions, the pet sitter will not know the best way to care for your pet. Therefore, the experience may not be a positive one for anyone. 

3. Difficult To Contact

You should be able to confirm your dates with a sitter before your departure. Being unable to contact them will cause undue stress. If your pet sitter consistently has poor contact and communication, consider looking for someone else.

Finding the right pet sitter takes time and diligence. However, it is worth it to see your pet happy and safe while you are away.