Finding a good pet sitter is essential if you have to go away from your home often and undergo stress for your pet about how s/he would be. Indeed, a pet sitter is a great help, not just because s/he feeds your pet, but also spends time with your pet, gives her/him exercise and takes the pet to your vet if necessary. But, how to decide if the pet sitter is good? Clarke (formerly Denny), a professional Durham, NC dog sitter, shares here tips for our readers on how to find a good pet sitter.
Start searching for the pet sitter well before your day of traveling so that you can get enough time to meet the her/him and let your pet too meet her/him and see how both of them get along. It will also give you time to search for another sitter if you don’t want to appoint the first one you meet. You should choose the pet sitter carefully because your pet is your child and should get the same love and care as you give her/him. This needs time.
You should meet the sitter in person to ensure if s/he is an animal lover and your pet will be in safe hands with her/him. Also introduce her/him to your pet/s and see how both get along. Animals have a sharper instinct than us in finding if the person is up to their liking and if they feel secure with her/him. Meeting personally can also be good if your pet has some special needs, so that you can check if the sitter is comfortable with it when you are away.
You can ask how experienced the sitter is and have a gut feeling about her/his passion for animals. You can also ask if s/he has specially qualified for pet sitting or has taken any special training for that.
The pet sitter should be covered with commercial liability insurance to protect in the event of an accident. You can ask for the proof of insurance. S/He should also be bonded for protection against theft.
Make sure that you can remain in constant touch with the sitter when you are away. If the sitter can regularly send you photos of your pet, that would be the best for your peace of mind.
Read how Clarke handles his job of pet sitter on DennySitting.com and you will understand how a pet sitter should be. Find such a pet sitter and travel without worrying about your beloved pet.