People love their pets. In fact, Americans are now spending to the tune of billions of dollars each year on their pets! That’s just one indicator to show just how much people are invested in and care about their pets. It’s no wonder that when it comes to choosing the best pet sitter, people agonize and fret over just who to choose. Some families even refrain from taking vacations because they’re so worried about who to entrust with the furry members of the family. While choosing the best pet sitter for your pets is a very important decision and should not be taken lightly, it doesn’t have to be that hard. If you have found yourself wondering how to find the best pet sitter near me, then you’ve come to the right place!
Finding the Best Pet Sitter Near You
Is the company licensed, bonded and insured?
Hiring a professional company comes with certain measures of security in place. Most professional companies are licensed, bonded and insured. Coverage places the burden of responsibility, should something go wrong, with the pet sitting company. There is no coverage when you enlist the services of a friend, neighbor or independent contractor. In those cases you, the homeowner, will be responsible in many (if not all) situations.
Do they provide contracts?
Another indicator that a pet sitting company is, in fact, a professionally operating company is the provision of a contract. A contract clearly spells out what services will be rendered, as well as the responsibilities and expectations of each party. You won’t be left to wonder what will take place while you are gone between your pets and the pet sitter after you review your professional sitter’s contract.
Do they require you to meet before rendering services?
A professional company will REQUIRE a meet and greet before rendering services. Just as you should be verifying that the pet sitter is the best fit for you and your pet, the pet sitter will be doing the same. A meet and greet allows you to ask questions in person, so be prepared. During the meeting, the pet sitting company will also provide you with the contract outlining the services you can expect to receive. Most importantly, you will be able to see how the pet sitter interacts with your pets. All in all, you should get a feeling of the company as a whole during the meet and greet. If you’re concerned after the initial meet and greet, keep looking.
Do they carefully screen all employees?
A professional pet sitting company will screen all of their employees. They will run a full personal, professional and criminal background check. Be assertive and ask what employees are screened for. Contrary to popular belief, not all background checks are the same.
Be aware that if you choose to bring a friend, neighbor or independent contractor into your home, you will have to do the background check yourself, which also means you have to pay for it.
Do they know how to handle emergencies?
Even with the best laid plans and the best pet sitter, emergencies may occur. The leading causes of death for household pets are preventable accidents and injuries. How someone responds to any accident or emergency with your pet could mean the difference between life and death. For this reason, anyone you leave to take care of your pets should be trained in Pet First Aid and CPR. The pet sitter should also have an emergency plan for any and all scenario that could potentially take place.
Be sure to ask questions about how the pet sitting company handles emergencies. What will they do if your home floods? What do they do if your pet is injured? How will they handle your pet becoming lethargic and dehydrated? How does an emergency at another pet sit visit affect your pet’s visit times?
Do they keep you informed while you’re away?
Every pet sitting company keeps their clients informed in one way or another. Whether it’s a daily email, a text message with photos or direct access to your pets via a pet cam of some sort you can expect to be informed of how your pets are doing while you are away! Technology makes keeping you informed a piece of cake. Some companies even offer GPS tracking so you know where your pet is at any time during their pet care visit.
Now, more than ever, there are many options when it comes to choosing a pet sitter for your pets. We hope you will keep these guidelines in mind as you narrow down your search for the BEST pet sitter! Good luck and happy searching.mIf you’d like to learn more about about our company and what we provide pet-friendly families in West Houston, Katy, and environs, check out our Services page, or reach out to us on our Contact page. We also welcome emails (info@animaladmiration.com) and phone calls to (281) 391-1015.
My wife and I are leaving for vacation in a few days, so we are looking for a pet sitter in town. I like your point about asking if the pet sitter will keep your informed when away. I want constant updates on how our dog is doing, so I’ll be sure to ask about this.
Thanks so much for sharing such a useful guide about how we can find out the best pet sitter. You have pointed out some extremely valid points and all viable options for this situation. As a pet owner, I will try to follow up your valuable concept. I’ll try this option on my next trip, hope my pup will get proper care.