Tips for working with a pet sitter

Are you taking that much-needed, week-long vacation to the beach and considering hiring a pet sitter? Perhaps you have a highly recommended and trustworthy acquaintance you’d like to hire. Maybe a neighbor or family member has offered to take care of your pet while you’re away. Whoever you chose to act as your pet’s stand-in caretaker during your vacation, here are a few tips to make sure it’s smooth sailing for your animal and your sitter.

Get acquainted
The most important step in hiring a pet sitter is to meet him first and introduce him to your pet. Watch the interactions between the proposed pet sitter and your animal. Carefully observe if you feel it will be a good fit. Trust your gut on this; if you feel it won’t be a good match, it’s better to find another sitter rather than worrying if your pet is in safe hands during your entire vacation. That would defeat the entire purpose of a vacation now, wouldn’t it?

Get comfortable
Trying out a new sitter for a night or two before having her sign on for a longer period of time is another good way to see if she meshes well with your pet. This way, you can smooth out any rough patches, or, if the sitter wasn’t comfortable, she can let you know so you can find a better fit. If this isn’t possible and you have a dog, suggest she join you on a few walks and let her take the leash so your dog can get used to a new walker. If you have a cat and the cat likes attention, have the pet sitter over for a little play date with your feline. It’s important for your pet to become familiar with the person who will be caring for them while you’re away before you’ve actually gone.   

Sleep over
Our pets get accustomed to their daily routines just like we do; therefore, it’s optimal to have your pet sitter stay at the house. Little things like opening curtains or windows in the morning and turning on lights in the evening will help your pet not to feel deserted or lonely. Having a pet sitter stay at your house is most ideal because if something goes awry, a full day won’t pass before your sitter is alerted to it. 

Emergency contact
Be sure to call your veterinarian and let her know you’ll be away. Provide the name of your pet sitter so she is aware if an unknown person calls with an issue concerning one of her four-legged patients. Consider providing a “Pet Sitter Consent” that authorizes the pet sitter and veterinarian to provide care in the event of an illness or injury during your absence. Also be sure your pet’s ID tags are up to date.

Don’t forget to tell your sitter any funny quirks your pet may have or if he has issues with other animals, especially if you intend to have your sitter walk him. These are some great steps you can take to ensure your pet is content at home with a sitter while you are soaking up those sunrays on your wonderful beach vacation!

Bekka Burton is a cat lover, freelance writer, ESL teacher, and intrepid traveler from upstate New York.