Quck answer
Pet sitters are professionals who provide care for pets while their owners are away. They can visit pets in their homes or provide boarding services in their own homes. Pet sitters can feed, walk, play with, and provide medication for pets. They can also perform other tasks such as bringing in mail, watering plants, and turning lights on and off to make it look like someone is home. Pet owners can find pet sitters through online directories or referrals from friends and family. It is important to choose a pet sitter who is licensed, insured, and has experience with the specific type of pet.
Pets
If you’re planning to travel and can’t bring your furry friend along, a pet sitter can take care of them while you’re away. This way, your pet can stay in a familiar and safe environment, and you can rest assured that they’re receiving proper care.
Before choosing a pet sitter, it’s important to interview and ask for references. Professional pet sitters should have bonding and liability insurance coverage, as well as the ability to interact well with your pet. The cost of a sitter varies depending on experience and services offered, so it’s important to know what you need before hiring [source: Pet Sitters].
Once you’ve decided on a pet sitter, it’s crucial to provide them with your pet’s history and routine. Your pet sitter should know important information such as medical conditions and favorite toys. It’s also important to ensure that your house is prepared with all necessary supplies for your pet’s care and emergency contacts. Communication is key to ensuring a good relationship with your pet sitter [source: Pet Sitters].
What Pet Sitters Do
Essentially, pet sitters are responsible for caring for your animal while you’re away. This includes providing food, bathroom breaks, and maintaining your pet’s regular routine. It’s important to ensure that you have enough supplies for the duration of your trip [source: Pet Sitters].
As a pet owner, it’s important to ensure that your pet sitter knows how to seek proper care for your animal in case of a medical emergency. It’s crucial to provide them with the contact details of your veterinarian or emergency centers that can treat your pet outside of normal business hours. A typed list of these details can be very effective.
Apart from medical responsibilities, pet sitters should also provide love and attention to your animal. Some sitters may be willing to take on additional house-sitting tasks, such as checking the mail or watering plants, but this may come at an extra cost and varies between sitters.
Pet sitter rates vary depending on factors like experience, specific services required, number and size of pets, and the duration of the sitter’s stay. Feeding, providing fresh water, playing with your pet, administering medication, and cleaning up messes should be included in the rate. Overnight stays can cost anywhere from $40 to $80, and the cost also depends on where you live. Additional fees may apply if you have multiple pets or require holiday or after-hours visits.
Did you know that cats meow mostly to get their owners’ and people’s attention, not to communicate with other cats? Also, only 40% of cats are ambidextrous, while the rest are either right or left-pawed.
Queries for Pet Sitters
When looking to hire a pet sitter, it’s important to ask a lot of questions. This will help ensure that your pet is in capable hands. While some questions may be obvious, others may raise issues that you haven’t considered before.
The most crucial question to ask a potential pet sitter is whether they are bonded and insured. A professional should be able to provide proof of coverage to protect you, your pet, and the sitter themselves.
If you’re speaking with a pet sitter over the phone, it’s a good idea to arrange a face-to-face interview in your home with your pet. Some sitters charge a fee for this initial consultation, while others include it in their services at no extra cost [source: Pet Sit].
It’s important to ask the pet sitter about their experience with your specific type of pet. While most people can take care of cats and dogs, not as many are familiar with exotic birds, reptiles, or fish. A professional sitter should also be willing to provide references upon request.
Most professional pet sitters use a contract, so make sure to review it carefully. Ask about the amount of time the sitter will spend with your pet per visit and what procedures are in place for emergencies. Discuss payment terms, as some sitters require full payment upfront while others only require a deposit upon reservation and the balance due upon your return [source: Pet Sit].
If you are considering an agency rather than an individual, ask about their hiring and screening processes. Good pet sitters will often provide an evaluation form.
By following these guidelines, you can find the best pet sitter for your needs. For further assistance, check out the links on the next page.
The First Canine Movie Star in America
Rin Tin Tin was the first dog to make it to the silver screen with his barking. He appeared in 22 films and signed all his contracts with a paw print [source: Suite 101].
Additional Information
Related Articles from HowStuffWorks
- Discovering How Pet Microchipping Works
- 6 Stories of Pets Traveling Great Distances to Return Home
- Is it Possible for Pets to Experience Jet Lag?
- 5 Risks to Consider When Driving with a Pet
- Understanding the Process of Pet Shipping
Sources of Information
- Butler, Joy. “Fun Dog Facts: Interesting Facts About Our Canines.” Suite 101. (accessed 01/27/2009)http://dogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/fundogfacts
- National Association for Professional Pet Sitters. “Hiring a Pet Sitter.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://www.petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners&content=hiring
- National Association for Professional Pet Sitters. “For Pet Owners.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://www.petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners&content=get-the-most-background
- National Association for Professional Pet Sitters. ” Benefits of Using a Pet Sitter.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://www.petsitters.org/index.cfm?section=PetOwners&content=benefits#Pet
- Paw Pottery. “Paw Pottery Fun Pet Facts.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://www.pawpottery.com/Funfacts.htm
- PBS Kids Go! “Pets: Fun Pet Facts.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/article2.html
- Pet Sitters International. “Tips for Conducting a Professional Pet Sitter Interview.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://www.petsit.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/f969b693671add059d2333762ada5999/miscdocs/pet_sitter_questionnaire.pdf
- Sitters City. “Petsitting Rates: How (and what) to Charge.” (accessed 01/27/2009)http://petsitters.sittercity.com/article/petsitters_rates.html
FAQ
1. What is a pet sitter?
A pet sitter is a professional caregiver who takes care of pets when their owners are away. They can provide various services, such as feeding, walking, playing, and administering medication.
2. How do I find a good pet sitter?
You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used a pet sitter before. You can also search online for pet-sitting services or contact a local animal shelter for recommendations.
3. What qualifications should a pet sitter have?
A good pet sitter should have experience working with pets, knowledge of animal behavior and health, and the ability to handle emergency situations. They should also have insurance and be bonded.
4. What services do pet sitters offer?
Pet sitters offer various services, such as feeding, walking, playing, administering medication, cleaning litter boxes, and providing companionship for pets while their owners are away.
5. How much does a pet sitter cost?
The cost of a pet sitter varies depending on the services provided, the location, and the duration of the visit. On average, pet-sitting services can cost between $15 to $25 per visit, but prices may be higher in certain areas.
6. How do I prepare my pet for a pet sitter?
You should inform your pet sitter about your pet’s routine, likes and dislikes, and any health issues. You should also provide your pet sitter with your contact information, your veterinarian’s contact information, and any special instructions for your pet.
7. Is it safe to leave my pet with a pet sitter?
A good pet sitter will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. However, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable and trustworthy pet sitter.
8. Can I trust a pet sitter with my home keys?
A reputable pet sitter will have a system for safely storing and handling your home keys. You can ask for references or read reviews from other clients to ensure that your pet sitter is trustworthy.
9. What should I do if I have an emergency while my pet sitter is caring for my pet?
You should provide your pet sitter with your contact information and your veterinarian’s contact information. You should also have a plan in place for emergency situations, such as a list of emergency contacts and instructions for your pet’s care.
10. How do I know if my pet sitter did a good job?
You can ask your pet sitter for updates and photos of your pet while you are away. You can also ask for feedback from your pet sitter after their visit. If you are satisfied with their services, you can leave a positive review or recommend them to others.
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