If you’re a dog owner considering hiring pet sitting services, you may be curious about exactly how it works. Pet sitting is an excellent way to provide your pup with extra care while giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in good hands. At its core, pet sitting involves entrusting someone responsible for caring for and spending quality time with your pup. In this article, we’ll explain how this type of service works, what to look for in a pet sitter, and how to prepare your home and pets for them.
Let’s explore how pet sitting works.
Pet sitting is a service provided by trained professionals who look after pets while their owners are away. It’s a great solution to help pets stay in the comfort of their home while still having someone to care for them. Here’s how pet sitting works:
1. Setting Up:
When you hire a pet sitter, they will work with you to understand the details of your pet’s individual needs. This includes diet and exercise requirements and any special conditions or medications. The pet sitter will also take the time to get to know your pet and build trust between them. All of this usually occurs at the meet and greet where you will meet your pet sitter face to face and share your pup’s routine with them. Meet and greets are required every time there is a new pet sitter assigned to your pet at Peak City Puppy and Dog Walkers.
2. Visits:
How often the pet sitter visits your home will depend on your pet’s needs and the type of care that is agreed upon. During their visit, the pet sitter will provide companionship for your pet, take them for walks, feed them, play with them and administer any necessary medications. Hiring a professional pet sitter like Peak City Puppy means you may even get some bonus help like bringing in the mail, rotating the blinds, or taking out the garbage cans on trash day.
3. Communication:
A pet sitter will update you on how your pet is doing while you’re away through regular updates via text, email, or an app. On top of this, the pet sitter may also take pictures of your pet and send them to you. Peak City Puppy pet sitters will do both in the pet portal that you get access to as a client. You’ll receive an after-visit summary with an update and pictures of your pet(s).
4. Safety:
Safety is always a priority for pet sitters. They will take necessary steps to ensure your pet’s safety, such as ensuring all gates and doors are locked upon arriving and leaving and checking that your pet’s collar is secure.
What are the benefits of hiring a pet sitter?
Hiring a pet sitter can be an invaluable asset for pet owners who need someone to look after their beloved four-legged friends while away. This type of service is often less expensive than boarding, providing many advantages you may not have considered before. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring a pet sitter and how this service works.
1. Security and peace of mind:
When you hire a pet sitter, you have the reassurance that your pet(s) will remain safe in their comfortable home environment while you are away. Pet sitting also eliminates the stress of boarding facilities or leaving your pets with friends or family.
2. Cost savings:
Hiring a pet sitter can save you money when compared to boarding fees. The cost savings are even greater if your pet has special needs that require extra attention or medication monitoring. A few drop in visits a day can be much less expensive than 24 hour round the clock care.
3. Personalized attention:
When you hire a pet sitter, your pets get the personalized attention they need and deserve. A good pet sitter will tailor their visits to meet each pet’s needs, providing personalized attention and care.
4. Flexible scheduling:
Pet sitters can provide flexible scheduling that meets your and your pet’s needs. You can schedule visits at different times throughout the day if needed. Depending on your situation, the pet sitter may even be able to stay overnight in your home for extended periods. Peak City Puppy offers 2-hour pet sitting windows that they can drop by in to provide care for your pet(s).
What to Look for in a Pet Sitter?
When choosing a pet sitter, there are many factors one should consider. The right pet sitter can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of care during their stay. Here are some important tips when it comes to selecting a professional and reliable pet sitter:
1. Experience:
Make sure to research the pet sitter’s credentials and ask for references. The more experience they have, the better. A good pet sitter will be knowledgeable in animal care, including diet and exercise requirements, as well as attentive to changes in your dog’s demeanor or health. They should also understand how to handle multiple types of pets in various situations.
2. Reputation:
Read online reviews and ask your friends or family members for recommendations. Review customer feedback about the pet sitter’s services and ensure the company has a good reputation. A great way to do this is to check their social media accounts or google to see what other clients say about them.
3. Bonding time:
Once you’ve researched, have the pet sitter come over for a meet and greet with your pet. This will allow you to get to know each other and build trust. During this time, observe how your pet interacts with the sitter and ensure the interaction is positive. A good pet sitter will be patient, gentle, and caring with your pet.
4. Insurance and Documentation:
It’s important to ask the pet sitter for proof of insurance and other documents such as a business license, police check, or certification. These documents will help ensure that your pet is in good hands. A professional pet sitter should also be able to provide you with an estimate of services and a timeline for their visits.
How do you prepare your home and pets for the pet sitter?
Preparing your home and pets for a pet sitter is essential in ensuring that both the pet sitter and your beloved animals are safe and comfortable. Here, we will discuss how you can prepare your home and pets for a pet sitter so that they can have a pleasant experience.
1. Provide a detailed description of your pet’s daily routine:
Before the pet sitter arrives, please provide them with a detailed description of each pet’s needs. How often do they need to be walked? How much food and water does each one require? What special instructions should the pet sitter follow when caring for them? Where should waste be disposed of? Where is the location of cleaning supplies if your pet has an accident or gets sick?
2. Create a list of emergency contacts:
Ensure you create a comprehensive list of emergency contacts in case you are unavailable, or something unexpected happens. Include your contact information and the pet sitters so they can reach out for help if necessary.
3. Stock up on supplies:
Ensure the pet sitter has access to all necessary supplies, such as food and water bowls, toys, treats, and poop bags. Have these supplies readily available for easy access to save time during the pet-sitting visit.
4. Introduce your pets to the pet sitter:
Ensure you introduce your pet sitter to each of your pets before they start the job. Allow your pet to become familiar with them and ensure they are comfortable in their presence.
5. Provide information about nearby veterinarians:
Ensure you provide the pet sitter with information about any local veterinarians or animal hospitals in case of emergency.
Pet sitting is a great option for those who want or need someone to care for their beloved pets while away. You can hire an individual pet sitter or an established pet-sitting service – whichever you choose, selecting someone trustworthy and experienced in looking after animals is important. It pays to research their background and qualifications, inquire about costs and references, and arrange a meet and greet before services are rendered. Doing this research beforehand will ensure your pets are safe when you’re away from home. At Peak City Puppy, we offer the ultimate in professional pet care to meet your needs – we promise that your furry friends will be cared for by experienced professionals with genuine love and devotion. To learn more about how our service works, please call us at 919-367-7387.
Now that you know how pet sitters work it’s important to consider if your pet sitter needs insurance and why it’s important. Check out our article, “Do Pet Sitters Need Insurance” to learn more.
