Congrats! Paws up! After doing all the research and interviews, you’ve just hired a professional petsitter. Even though you’ve checked out the excellent references, it’s still natural to be a bit apprehensive. The first time you leave your four-legged kids with anyone can be stressful – in fact, any time you leave the fur kids can be worrisome. Here are a few pointers on how to smooth the transition while you are away.
Home Visits Are a Must
Before you hire a sitter and leave your pets in the care of a new person, schedule a home visit. Check the pulse of your comfort level with this new person in your life, and take note of the chemistry between the sitter and your pets. If something just doesn’t “feel” right or your pets seem uncomfortable with the sitter, you might want reconsider. Trust your instincts.
Pinpoint What You Expect
When you first meet, be very definitive about your needs and expectations. Key points to agree on should comprise:
- Live-in vs. Stopovers: Some pet owners want the sitter to housesit and petsit, especially during longer trips. Others simply look for someone to drop by once or twice per day to feed and water the pets, exercise them if needed, tend to the litter boxes, etc. Be sure your sitter knows what you expect and agrees to the arrangement.
- Payment: Make sure you and your sitter discuss payment plans and agree on all terms, preferably in writing. Be sure to settle on the per-day or per-visit fee, any amount to be paid in advance, terms for final payment, etc.
- House Rules: Whether or not your sitter will be staying in your home while you are away, let him or her know your expectations regarding use of your home and appliances, food, and so on. Also set terms for visitation by the sitter's friends.
Write Down Each Detail of Care
Make sure the sitter has complete directions regarding the care and feeding of each pet. Information to share might include the following:
- Feeding: Provide instructions for each pet, including who, when, where, what, and how; for example: What are your preferred feeding times? Where should the food be placed? What food should be given to each pet? What should the sitter do if multiple pets compete for food? Should the sitter wait around until the food is gone and then clean up the dishes immediately, or should the food be left out unattended for the evening or overnight?
- Medication: Leave complete instructions for administering; for example: Where is the medication stored? When is it given? What’s the dosage? How is the medication administered? It’s a good idea to demonstrate the process to the sitter during your home visit, and, if possible, have the sitter do the same in your presence prior to your departure.
- Exercise: Provide exercise instructions. How often are walks? How should the sitter clean up after the dogs? Should your cats have interactive playtime daily?
- Household Tasks: Provide explicit instructions for household maintenance, which is needed. How often should the litter box be cleaned? Where should the mail be stored? Does the garbage need to go out, and when? Should the sitter answer your phone? What about your security alarm?
How to Reach You
Of course you will provide your sitter with all emergency contact information such as the following:
Where You Will Be: Leave a detailed itinerary, including hotel contact information and cell-phone numbers.
Local Contacts: Provide names and numbers of at least one local contact who can help in an emergency. This can be a local relative, a trusted neighbor, or a close friend.
Veterinarian: Naturally you will list your veterinarian's name, address, and number. Also, if your vet uses an after-hours emergency service, also provide that contact information.
Now Go Vacate and Relax
With all arrangements attended to, now you can go on your trip with your mind a bit more at ease. Pet parents are always going to worry about and miss furry family members, but by taking time to make these preparations, you can rest assured your pets will be well cared for until your return. You will most likely call and check in a few times but don’t overdo it; you have hired an excellent sitter to tend to your “fur babies.”
Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
