Are you looking for someone to watch your best friend while you are gone? It’s seem like it should be easy, right? I mean, all pet sitters must be animal-loving, good people that will treat your Chloe as if she was her own. WRONG. There are stories all the time about neglectful pet sitters, even cases where the dogs have died. Amanda Cornell, M.S., CPDT-KA, owner of Accomplished Canines, has 10 questions you should ask any potential pet sitter to help make sure they will take great care of your best friend while you are away.
#1 – What do you like about being a pet sitter?
It’s an open ended question that can help you get to know this person that you are entrusting with the well-being of your pet. It’s important to know a little bit about her so that you feel comfortable with her interacting with your pets and coming and going through your house. Does she seem to enjoy the hard work that this job entails? Or does she seem to view the job as a quick way to make some cash?
#2 – Can you provide references?
Yelp reviews can go a long way, but being able to speak with a former/current client goes even further when deciding on a pet sitter. Ask what their experience was like and if they wish that anything had been different.
Related: TrustedHouse Sitters Review – Let trusted pet sitters watch your pup in your own home while you’ travel!
#3 – Are you bonded and insured?
Pet sitting is an unregulated field – anyone can say that they are a “pet sitter,” but there is a difference between someone that watches the neighbor’s dog once in a while and someone that dedicates their career to caring for other people’s pets. While it’s not a 100% guarantee, the fact that someone took the time and money to have their business bonded and insured can indicate that they are more professional and they are taking the appropriate steps to make sure that everyone is covered in case of an accident, theft, etc.
#4 – What qualifications do you have?
The importance of this question may depend on your pets. If your pet is older or has medical needs, consider trying to find a pet sitter that has some veterinary experience and will have the skill to administer medications or recognize subtle signs of a problem. If your pet has behavioral issues, consider trying to find a pet sitter that has experience in training or behavioral modification. They don’t necessarily have to train your pet while you’re away, but they will have a better understanding of how to manage and care for dogs that guard items or space or have fear and aggression issues.
#5 – What services are included in the price? What is not included?
It’s important to know for sure what you’re paying for. How much time will the pet sitter be spending with your dog? Will she be staying at your house, or just checking in throughout the day? Will she play with your dog? Feed him? Change the water bowl? Is she going to be walking your dog? Is she willing to groom your dog? Are there additional fees for additional pets? Are there any types of animals that she doesn’t care for? Try making a list of all of your pet’s daily needs – is your potential pet sitter able to address them all, and how much does it cost?
#6 – Will you be the one handling my pet when I’m away?
There are some companies that hire contractors to handle clients during busy seasons. Make sure to ask who will be the one checking on your pet while you’re away. You will want it to be the same person the whole time, and if it’s not the person that came for the consultation make sure that you ask to meet their contractor too.
#7 – What is your protocol in the case of an emergency?
We all hate to think of this, but it can help put your mind at ease if you know what the general procedure is should the worst-case scenario become a reality. If it’s a medical emergency, will she take your dog to your vet or hers? Will she call you to tell you when something happens, or just leave a note for you to find when you return? What happens if you can’t be reached? Will she call a friend or family member that’s local and is able to make decisions on your behalf? If your pet sitter has a plan that you’re comfortable with, then that’s great! If not, spend some time thinking about what you would be comfortable with and see if she’s willing to follow that plan.
#8 – How do you handle a misbehaving pet?
Of course, we all think that our dog is perfect, but what if his mischievous side comes out with a new person in the house? How would you like your pet sitter to handle this? Everyone’s responses to naughty pets can be a little bit different. Make sure that her response is one that you find appropriate. If it’s not, ask if she’s willing to follow your training or management plan to prevent unwanted behavior next time. If she doesn’t seem willing to try it your way, move on and find someone that will.
#9 – Will my pet be around other pets?
Don’t assume that your pet will not be exposed to other animals while you’re away. If you request a walk, it’s possible that your pet sitter will have other clients in the area and may try to walk all of the dogs together. This might be ok for some dogs, but it could be disastrous for others. Also, there are some pet sitters that travel with their own personal dogs. Again, there are some dogs that might be ok with a strange dog staying in their home for a couple of days, but there are also quite a few dogs that would definitely NOT be happy with that scenario. It doesn’t hurt to ask your pet sitter what her policy is regarding this matter, and it’s perfectly acceptable for you to make it clear that you DON’T want your dog interacting with others if that’s the case.
#10 – How can I reach you to check in on my pet?
There’s nothing more frustrating than being far away from your pet, anxious to check in on how he’s doing, and then not be able to get a hold of the person in charge of watching him. It’s a good idea to hedge your bets when it comes to communicating with your pet sitter while you’re away. Is it easier for her to take a quick call, or respond to an email? Make sure that you’re on the same page and make sure that she knows when you’d like an update. It will help her meet your expectations and it can help to assuage some of your anxiety while you’re away.
Toledo, United States.
