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Leaving your dog behind while going away on vacation can be a
difficult ordeal. Especially when it’s a business trip and
there’s absolutely no way of bringing him along. When you leave
him with a pet sitter, he’s in an environment that he’s
comfortable with and that tends to put him more at ease. Here are
a few pros and cons for pet sitters so you can decide for
yourself whether leaving your dog with one is a good idea.
Pros For A Pet Sitter
- Your dog remains in his own environment and this relieves
some of his stress.
- Your dog will have his regular routine and eat his own
regular food. A sudden change in diet (change of dog food brands,
or an addition of new treats) can often lead to gastrointestinal
problems.
- You have someone to take care of the house. He can get your
mail and even make your home look occupied. That tends to confuse
robbers.
- You can sometimes even find someone that can stay at your
home while taking care of your pet. By finding an in-house pet
sitter, you’re giving your dog someone to play with while you’re
away. There are various levels of service that are available.
- Pet sitters are trained in emergency medical procedures so
your dog is in good hands even if something needing medical
attention happens.
Cons For A Pet Sitter
- Your pet sitter will be at your house, invading your privacy.
Some people aren’t comfortable with this.
- The price can get pretty hefty. Professional pet sitting
agencies charge extra for their services. If you’re looking for a
low-budget pet sitter, try talking to a trusted family member or
friend.
- Some pet sitters prefer to bring your dog to their place for
care. They have to take care of your dog, and still complete
family and work commitments. A whole new environment without you
in it might be uncomfortable and stressful for your dog.
- When your family pet sits for you, they aren’t doing it
because it’s their job, they are doing it as a favor to you. That
means they won’t be as thorough with your dog’s care as a
professional sitter.
- If you choose the wrong person to pet sit, they might bring
other people to your house and exploit your trust.
Regardless of whether you choose a pet sitter, a friend, or a
kennel agency, remember to give them clear instructions on what
food to feed him, any medications to be mindful of, and what you
expect as physical activity for your dog. Make sure you also
provide them with clear contact information in case of an
emergency. Dogs are pretty adaptable creatures. So they will
cope, even in your absence.
Tips To Select A Good Pet Sitter
The main job of a pet sitter is to look after your pet when
you’re not at home. A qualified pet sitter should know the
feeding, grooming, and lifestyle habits of your pet and also what
to do during an emergency. Selecting a good pet sitter should be
important for you because animals don’t often show the same
behavior towards strangers as humans do. If you’re looking for a
good pet sitter, then you should consider the following tips
before choosing the right one.
#1 Friendly behavior
A good pet sitter should be able to exhibit friendly behavior
towards your pet. Your pet should also be comfortable around that
person. Some pets are fussy and apart from their owner they don’t
mix well with others. If you think someone is a good candidate
for a pet sitter, then have your pet mix with that person in your
presence. See how things work out and then you can decide.
#2 Fun personality
No one likes being around a dull person. Then why should your
pet? Look for someone who is fun to be around and someone who can
have fun with your pet. Ardent animal lovers are usually the best
candidate for the job because they enjoy being around animals and
know how to have fun with them.
#3 legal documents
If you are planning to hire a pet sitter from a professional
company, then make sure they have proper documents like insurance
and bonding. Also, inquire around to confirm that the company is
legit and has been in business for some time.
#4 Reputation
It’s a good idea to hire someone who has some amount of
experience doing this job. Handling animals can be difficult and
even irritating but true professionals know their job and they
know when to do what.
#5 Veterinary
background
Having a background in veterinary is not mandatory but is a plus.
It comes in handy when your pet falls sick or when he requires
emergency medical care. Of course, a good pet sitter will rush
your pet to a vet if a medical emergency arises but it’s to know
that your pet is constantly under the care of someone who knows
how to handle pet health issues.
Conclusion
If you stay away from your pet for long hours, then finding a
good pet sitter should be of importance. A good pet sitter should
be friendly and should know your pet’s lifestyle like eating
habits, playing time, pooping, and sleeping. If you’re planning
to hire a professional pet sitter, then make sure he/she is
reputed and has done this before. Having a veterinary background
is not must but it’s a good thing if the pet sitter has one.
