In all of life’s busyness, it is common for pet sitters to look for last-minute care arrangements for their beloved pets when they fly home for Christmas or take that long weekend away in the spring. As the pet hotels fill up and professional sitters get booked, it can be easy to resort to whoever may be available.  If you are considering leaving your pet with a new sitter, here are some helpful tips to bear in mind.

Tips for the Pet Owner

  • Discuss expectations. Make sure the sitter knows how long you expect the daily walks to be. Sitters should not agree to look after animal unless they are willing to comply with your specific requests. In an ideal scenario, a daily walk should be 30-60 minutes long. Discuss what should happen if the weather is rainy or snowy, such as taking 30 minutes to play games indoors, or practice training skills, etc.
  • Provide a “Doggy Bag.” Pet owners should leave a doggy bag full of the pet’s food, treats, leash, collar, toys, clean-up sprays, pet shampoos, dental chews, toothbrush, potty pads, or whatever else might be necessary. Be sure to leave all the items needed, so the sitter does not have to run to the store and pay for anything out of pocket.
  • Have an emergency list. Provide your pet sitter with instructions for all medications your pet might need, what kind of foods they are not able to eat, if they have any allergies, or anything that gives them indigestion, etc. Give them a list of important phone numbers, including the pet’s veterinarian, the nearest 24-hour hospital for pets, as well as your contact information and that of the place you will be staying.  If you feel inclined, also lend them the first aid kit you keep at home, in case of emergencies.
  • Calming tools. Often when a pet is separated from his owners, long hours of crying or days of depression can ensure. In order to avoid separation anxiety, discuss what kinds of things can be done for the pet to be comforted while you are away. Does he have a calming collar? A ThunderShirt? Do candles, or some sort of music or white-noise makers help the pup sleep when he is restless at night? Make sure your pet sitter knows how to help the animal relax in your absence.
  • Cover your bases.  If the sitter is going to visit your dog or cat in your home while you are away, make sure a reliable neighbor or the landlord knows about it. It would be a tremendous shame for a watchful person next door to call the cops on your pet sitter just because they see him “breaking and entering” when they stop by for the dog’s evening walk.  If there are any alarms or security features on your home, make sure your sitter knows how to deactivate them to avoid any alarm going off.  We recommend meeting with the prospect at least once to have them practice disabling the alarm themselves while you watch and help them.
  • Have a backup plan. Sometimes, accidents happen and people get sick, etc.  If for whatever reason your pet sitter becomes indisposed, have someone ready and available to help you out in case of an emergency. Maybe another friend, neighbor, or coworker will agree to be on-call should anything go wrong. This will not only give you peace of mind while you are away, but it will also make sure your dog or cat will get the attention and care they need if plans should fall through.