Whether you are heading out of town for the holidays or traveling for work, finding someone you trust to care for your pet is a decision that deserves more than a quick Google search. A professional pet sitter can be a wonderful option, but not all pet sitters are created equal. Here are the Paw Haven team’s top tips on what to look for before you hand over your house key.
Start With the Basics
First, make sure any pet sitter or pet-sitting company you are considering is bonded and insured. This protects you if something goes wrong in your home during their visit. Also confirm that sitters have undergone a criminal background check. A reputable company will have no hesitation in providing this information.
Ask for references (we recommend at least three) and follow up on them. A sitter who comes highly recommended by people who have used them repeatedly is a very different situation from one who is just getting started.
Do a Meet and Greet First
This is non-negotiable. Before committing to anyone, plan an introductory visit with your pet present. Watch how the sitter interacts with your animal. Does your pet seem comfortable with them? Does the sitter seem at ease with your specific kind/breed of pet? First impressions matter, and so does your gut.
Use this meeting to walk through your pet’s routine in detail. Feeding schedule, walking schedule, any behavioral quirks, medications, where supplies are kept. The more specific you can be, the better.
Ask the Harder Questions
A few things worth asking that people sometimes forget:
1. What happens if the sitter has an emergency and cannot make it?
A professional service should have backup coverage in place, so your pet is never left without care unexpectedly.
2. Are they available seven days a week, including holidays?
If you are traveling over Thanksgiving or the winter holidays, you need to know you can reach someone.
3. Can they accommodate your pet’s specific schedule, not just a general version of it?
A diabetic cat who needs insulin at a precise time or a dog who requires two walks a day needs a sitter who can commit to that, not approximate it.
A tip from our team at Paw Haven: Before any pet-sitting arrangement, make sure your sitter has your vet’s contact information, including after-hours guidance. Also send them a copy of your pet’s current vaccine records. If your pet’s records are not up to date, we can help you get that sorted before your trip.
Where to Find Qualified Pet Sitters
A few good starting points if you are not sure where to begin:
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is a nonprofit trade association with a zip code-based sitter locator on their website at petsitters.org.
Pet Sitters International is another well-established member organization with a sitter locator at petsit.com.
Fetch! Pet Care is a national franchise with locations across 34 states. You can find a location near you at fetchpetcare.com or by calling 1-866-FETCH-ME.
One Last Thing
Leave your pet’s medical and behavioral history somewhere easy to find, along with your vet’s contact information and a list of any medications or supplements they take. Gather all supplies, food, treats, and anything else your sitter might need in one central location before you leave. The easier you make it for them, the better the experience will be for your pet.
A little preparation up front means you can enjoy your trip without spending the whole time worrying about what is happening at home.
If you need your pet’s vaccine records or want a quick checkup before you travel, we are happy to help. Call us at (863) 334-0158 or book online at pawhavenvet.com.
