When you go on vacation, how sure are you that your best friend is safe and sound while you are gone? One couple in Arizona thought they had found a good pet-sitter to watch their dogs when they went to Mexico. When they returned, they found two of their dogs had been killed by a bobcat because the sitter had left them outside all night. They also found out she was a convicted felon on probation for theft.
Andrew Zander and his wife left the care of their beloved dog to a family friend while they were away for a few months. The postman found the dog starved to death.
These sad and unnecessary stories impress upon us all the importance of finding a good pet sitter that you can trust. But where do you find one of those and how do you know for certain?
Professionals
This is the place to start. Do not answer a Craigslist’s ad for someone who is going to have keys to your house, free access to your valuables, and who is responsible for keeping your pets safe and sound.
Pet Sitters International. Not only do they have an in-depth certification program, but PSI also has a background verification requirement so you don’t end up with a sitter those a convicted thief or animal abuser.
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. They do not have a certification program or background verification, but according to their website, NAPPS “promotes their members’ professional integrity through its Pledge of Professional Conduct.” It’s a good resource for pet sitter listings where you know the sitter has at least taken the time to become a member of a group. Look for sitters who have made a commitment by volunteering for the organization and are also certified with PSI.
Check the Facts
Never hire a sitter based off of their own resume or website claims and recommendations. Those can all be faked.
- Ask for references that you can actually contact. At least 3
- Check to see if they are listed with the Better Business Bureau
- Google the sitter’s name and her company name to see what comes up
- Ask friends and family if they have used him in the past
- You can pay for your own background check for peace of mind
- Call the local police and ask if there have been any complaints regarding the sitter
Then, ask them what they do and get it in writing.
- How long have they been a pet sitter?
- Why are they a pet sitter?
- How much and how often do they exercise?
- Do they provide baths, give medicines?
- Ask them how they keep track of everything.
- If they don’t stay at your house, how many other pets do they sit at a time?
- Are their breeds or sizes of dogs they are uncomfortable with?
- Will they call or text with updates and pictures?
- Do they own animals of their own? If not, ask why.
It’s a good idea to start looking for a pet sitter before you actually need one, so you are not rushed into a decision. Above all, trust your gut and your dog. If you don’t have a good feeling, or your dog does not seem to warm up to the person (if you have a normally friendly dog) then find someone else. Sometimes our dogs know best.
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
Toledo, United States.
