By Laurie Darroch
When it comes to finding a good dog sitter, you want to find the right fit for both you and your loved canine companion. As much as you care about your dog, it’s not always possible to take him with you on vacations, to work, school, or other outings. If you don’t want to put your dog in a kennel, the search for a great dog sitter is not simply a matter of contacting someone who advertises their services. Like the search for good child care, finding a dog sitter with the right skills and services is important for your peace of mind as well as the comfort of your dog.
Word of Mouth
A recommendation for a good dog sitter may come from your own circle of friends, family, or acquaintances. Even so, keep a list of questions handy that address your individual concerns regarding the care of your dog. One person’s perfect pet sitter may not be the best fit for you. If you are new to an area or prefer the word of a professional, you can also ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
Reliability
Even a true dog lover and pet sitter may not be reliable enough to care for your dog on an ongoing basis. The sitter you find needs to be reliable enough to be there when you need their services and to show when you need them. They also need to respond timely to messages and communicate well.
Trust
Don’t be afraid to ask hard or detailed questions. It is not only your dog that is entrusted to that sitter, but your home as well. You need to be able to trust the sitter to properly care for your dog and give the love, patience, and understanding he needs. If they come in your home when you are not there, the sitter needs to respect and protect your space. In addition, they should have enough professionalism to keep your home and concerns private and not share information with others.
Experience
Depending on your specific needs, the level of experience may not be as important. If you merely need someone to come feed and play with your dog occasionally, a reliable neighbourhood child may be the perfect fit. However, if your dog has health issues or needs more frequent and intense care, you may want someone who’s had more experience. A more experienced pet sitter will be better able to handle difficult situations or take care of any emergencies that arise.
Cost
Compare the cost of a dog day care center to individual home care. The more experienced the sitter or care center is, the more costly they can be. Look for competitive pricing if budget is an issue, but don’t sacrifice proper care for your dog. You get what you pay for, but that doesn’t mean that a good sitter has to cost an arm and a leg.
If you want frills that have little to do with the quality of your dog’s care, you will pay more for them. Remember, in reality your dog just needs the basics and good loving care, not the fancy services.
Services
The services offered by each dog sitter can vary. If your dog does not need extreme pampering and costly features, look for a pet sitter that just offers the basics. You may simply need someone to feed, play with or walk your dog. On the other hand, if your dog has health issues or separation anxiety, you may need multiple visits in a day, so be sure your chosen sitter can accommodate this. If you have a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, you may need a sitter who is able to take your dog for long walks or play sessions. Know your dog and their individual needs when you choose a sitter. Also, take cues from your dog. If your dog likes the pet sitter and is comfortable with them, you will know it instantly by their happy reaction to the sitter’s arrival.
Remember to book the services of your chosen pet sitter ahead of time, unless it’s an emergency situation. A well respected dog sitter may get booked up. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may have to settle for an alternative choice that is not the best fit for you, your dog, or even your budget.
When you find a good pet sitter, you will feel much more at ease knowing your dog and your home are in good hands while you are away. A good dog sitter gives you peace of mind. Your dog may not like you going away, but if they feel comfortable with the sitter, they will accept the situation eventually. Having a good dog sitter you can call when needed is a positive addition to your pet’s life.