How to Choose a Pet Sitter

   Author,  Professional Pet Sitting Etc.

The most stressful part of going out of town, whether for vacation or business, is finding someone to watch your beloved pet.  Many people’s first thought is to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor to watch their pets while they are away.  Some people opt for boarding for kennel, while others choose a pet sitter.   In home pet sitting is growing in popularity.  It is convenient in the service they provide as well as the fact it is the least stressful option for your pets.  If you are looking for someone to come into your home to meet your pet’s needs while you are away, keep reading for important things to consider when choosing a pet sitter.

Is the pet sitter you are considering a professional pet sitter or someone who pet sits as a hobby or to earn a little extra cash?  The best pet sitters are professionals that are known in their community and have extensive experience. They should be registered to do business in your state, bonded and insured.  A professional company will have a company website with testimonials from happy clients.  A professional company will do background checks and training and have employees.

Is the Pet sitter you’re considering have business experience?  If they have been in business for at least 5 years, chances are they have run into problems and have policies in place to handle them.  Do they know what to do if your dog gets bit by another dog, stung by a bee, or suffers from heat stroke?  Who will they call?  What is the emergency plan of action?  Every reputable company has a plan of action and all of their pet sitters are well schooled on how to handle all types of emergencies.

Is there a contract or service agreement?  There should be!  This provides protection for you and the pet sitter.  It also minimizes any miscommunication as far as what services are provided and exactly what you can expect from the pet sitter.   Your prospective pet sitter should provide time to speak with you and allow you ample time to ask questions.

Stay Away from Craigslist Type of sitters.  These are sitters who pay to post a listing on sites like craigslist, Tech companies who list multiple people.  Some even state that YOU are protected with insurance, etc.  However, the insurance ONLY protects the Tech company.  You and the sitter you choose on this site are not protected.  As long as these Tech companies are making money every time you book, they do not care about anything else.  In fact most do not pay taxes.  They collect the money from you and then pay a portion to the sitter as an IC.  The Tech company gets away without paying taxes stating that the IC is responsible. These type of sites will have people who are not fully committed to pet sitting.  They do it when they can, they may not be available when you have an emergency, they will not be bonded, insured, etc.  This is why you will pay a cheap price because there is NO protection, no professional business.

Look for Sitters who really want to IMPROVE themselves and their business and profession. They go to continuing educational conferences, take classes.  They will have their own website (VERY important).  In addition to a website you will see their business facebook page with reviews (not a personal page). On their website you should be able to see extensive background on the owner with awards and certificates.  Knowing this will help give you peace of mind.

Finding someone to take care of your pet while you’re away can be scary and confusing but if you do the proper foot work before you leave, you’ll no doubt leave your pet in the hands of a trusted, respected professional while you’re away.  If you have any questions on how to choose a pet sitter, please call us. We’d love to guide you through the process.

We also have plenty of information on our website to help you make the best informed choice in pet care.

Here is a list of all of our blog articles

10 Things to Look for in a Pet Sitting Company

3 Mistakes People Make in Hiring a Pet Sitter

 

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About the Owner/Author

Dorinne Whynott, is a long time animal professional.  She is a successful business owner establishing one of the largest pet sitting companies in New Hampshire since 1990. Click to Read her complete History. 

Professional Pet Sitting Etc. is a leading business in the pet care field and continues to grow since 1990.  It boasts 30+ amazing pet sitters on staff, over 3000 clients in 38 cities from Nashua to Concord, NH.  Hundreds of satisfied client testimonials can be found on their website and more 5 star reviews on their Facebook page, Google+ page and more.  They have sustained an A+ rating with the BBB and are unmatched in the Pet Sitting Industry in New Hampshire.

Click For a Complete List of all of our educational Blogs

Go to Professional Pet Sitting Etc. Website for more information on the best pet sitting company or click on “New Client” to contact us or register for dog walking or pet care.

Contact us by phone at 603-888-8088

Email Profpetsit@aol.com

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