Why do we ask so many questions?
In order for your sitter to do the best possible job for you they’ll need as much information about your pets, their habits and nuances and your home as possible. Your sitter will call ahead of time to arrange a Meet & Greet. This is your opportunity to speak first on the phone, then in person to gather as much of this information as possible. Be patient, we ask a lot of questions but for good reason. It’s vital to your pet’s welfare that we go into each sit with the best and most knowledge possible!
Deciding on a Reputable Pet Sitter
- Is your prospective sitter bonded? Do they carry liability insurance?
- Can the sitter provide references?
- Are they pet first aid/CPR trained?
- Will the sitter conduct an initial meeting? Do they provide a written contract detailing services and expectations?
- Is the sitter comfortable with your pet and his specific needs, i.e. medications, walks etc.?
- Does the sitter have a contingency plan for emergencies or personal illness?
What can you do to prepare for your interview?
- Think about your pet’s daily routine
- Does your pet require medications? What are they? Are there procedures for administration?
- Consider your pet’s personality, are they shy, do they have separation anxiety, do they get into trouble when left alone, are they aggressive?
- Does your pet have any unusual habits or fears?
- Is your pet wearing a set of current identification tags?
- Do you have a designated pet guardian in the event something happens to you? http://www.ddfl.org/services/pet-guardianship
- Do you have a credit card on file at the veterinarians office?
- Have you made preparations in the event your pet should pass away while you’re gone?
Plan Ahead
- Make your pet sitting reservations as early as possible – especially high volume times i.e. school breaks, holidays
- Have spare keys made for home, your sitter will need at least one and it’s always wise to leave one with a neighbor or in a lockbox. Check to make sure the keys work!
- Buy extra food, medications and cleaning supplies
Prepare Your Home
- Place a hold on mail and newspapers
- Change your batteries in your garage door keypad and in all smoke detectors
- Remove food from your counters and throw out anything that may go bad in the refrigerator
- Put lights and irrigation system on timer
- Close any “off-limit” room doors
- Arrange for snow removal or lawn care (inform your sitter of these services and days they are to take place)
- Consider leaving a radio or TV on it may deter thieves and also keeps your pets company
- Inform your emergency contact that the sitter has their information and in the event of an emergency they’ll be contacted
Communicate
- Your sitter will want to know what’s the best method of communication for you, phone, email, text?
- Decide if you want updates on your pet
- Feel free to leave your preferred service provider information: plumber, HVAC, snow removal etc.
- If travel plans change immediately notify your sitter
All of these items and many more are crucial to providing the best possible pet care experience for you as a client.
