Far from just making sure your pet is adequately fed and watered in your
absence, a good pet sitter should be a foster parent to your pet. They should
provide quality time, exercise and all the home comforts your pet is used to.
Of
course, the more you are willing to spend on a pet sitter, the more comfort and
attention your pet will get. In-home pet sitters typically also offer services
such as watering plants and general house-care in your absence. Do not mistake a
pet sitter, however, for a house-keeper - or you may soon need to get a new one!
People can become a pet sitter without any qualifications and it may be hard
to gauge the experience any candidate can bring to the job. This is why it is
sometimes very hard to choose a pet sitter from classified listings. Sometimes
your individual impression of someone, and watching how they interact with your
pet can be a good way of choosing. However, also look for accreditation from the
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, whose members abide by a code
of ethics and have completed study courses and conferences.
Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the
candidates over the phone or at your home. Try to find out the following:
Will the pet sitter work in your home or will you take your pet to them? Will your pet sitter be caring for other pets at the same time as yours?
If so, how many pets and how much attention will yours get? Seek written proof that your candidate has commercial liability
insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect
against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)? What training and qualifications the candidate has If the candidate cannot make it to work one day (an emergency, car travel
etc.), can their agency or company provide backup? What other services the pet sitter will offer - such as walking your dog
or watering your plants Will your pet sitter provide a service contract?
Will the pet sitter work in your home or will you take your pet to them?
