Choosing a Pet Sitter

Choosing a pet sitter

If possible, make sure you have a pet sitter arranged well in advance of your leaving.  This will enable you to hand pick the right person for the job. Below is a checklist of what to look for in a pet sitter. 

• Before you hire a pet sitter, you will want to interview them, either over the phone, or if possible in your home, that way you can see first hand how they interact with your pets, make notes about each pet's individual requirements etc. How does your pet respond to the pet sitter? 

• Do they have references? Do follow up on references provided. 

• What experience does the pet sitter have? 

• How long have they been in the business? 

• Are they insured? If so, can they provide proof of insurance? Insurance is important as it protects you against damage to property & theft. 

• Do they have a police record? If you are hiring a pet sitter through a company, many of them will have undergone police checks, so ask about this when you phone up the company.

• What does their service include? Ie: are they only going to feed & water  your pet, or does it include play time, grooming, watering plants, bringing in the mail etc? Do they charge for extras such as medicating, walking (dogs)? Have them list all their services in writing. 

• Do they have a backup plan in case they are unable to visit your pet, due to sickness, an emergency of their own, inclement weather etc? 

• When you decide on a pet sitter, have them give a detailed confirmation of their fees, and the services they provide, in writing. 

• Have them supply a receipt for money paid. It is best to give a deposit, and then give them final payment upon completion of the job. 

• Do they have a vehicle in which to transport your pet in the event of medical treatment being required? 

Where to find a pet sitter

Word of mouth is always a good way to find a reliable pet sitter. You can also ask your veterinarian if he/she can recommend a pet sitter. Alternatively, you should be able to find a listing of pet sitters in the Yellow Pages. 

Pet sitter checklist

Before you leave, it is important to make sure the following has been provided for your pet sitter:

• Feeding. If you have multiple pets, with different dietary requirements, then provide a diet sheet & feeding schedule for each pet, including a description of the pet, how much food to feed, where to feed & what time.  Leave food & can openers in an easy to access spot so your sitter doesn't have to go hunting. Make sure you leave extra food in case your return is delayed. Can the pet have a treat, if so what? Tell the pet sitter if your pet isn't allowed certain foods. 

• Keys/Alarms: When you hand over the keys to your pet sitter, have him/her check them in your lock, to make sure the keys work & they can use them with ease. Ensure they are familiar with the use of your alarm. 

• Medications: Is the pet on medication? Which pet? Where is the medication? What time does the medication need to be given? How much? How is it administered? 

• Litter Trays: Leave details on how often the litter tray should be scooped, including a bag to place the waste in, and where to discard the waste. 

• Behaviour: Any quirks, behavioural issues or fears your pet may have. If you have a pet who may be prone to biting, scratching etc., inform the pet sitter of this. 

• Contact Details: Provide contact numbers for them to call you in the event of an emergency. This should include your mobile phone, and a number for the hotel, place you are staying. If it is a hotel, a room number too. 

• Veterinarian Details: Your veterinarian's phone number & address. If your veterinarian doesn't offer an emergency after hours service, you will need to provide phone & address details of an emergency vet. 

• Cat Carrier: Leave out a cat carrier in an easy to find spot. 

• Vet Fees: Inform your veterinarian that your pet will be under the charge of a pet sitter, who will be required to act on your behalf. Check with your vet to see if he will treat your cat & bill you for it on your return. If this is not possible, can you provide your credit card details for them to use if need be (make sure they are destroyed when you return), or if you can give a deposit (make sure you get a receipt for this if you do). 

• Confirm: A day before you leave, call the pet sitter to confirm the details. 

• Pet Sitter's Details: Take your pet sitter's phone number with you, so in the event that you are delayed, they can be made aware & continue looking after your pet until you return. 

• Dog Walking: If your sitter is looking after a dog, leave out instructions on where the dog should be walked, how long for & when. Ensure you leave the dog's leash in an easy to find spot. 

• Backup Friend/Relative: If possible, provide the number of a close family member who the sitter can contact in the event of an emergency. If possible, leave a spare key with a friend or relative as backup. 

• Multiple Pets: If you have multiple pets, ask the pet sitter to do a head count when they visit, to make sure all pets are accounted for & are fit & well. 

• Access: If you don't want the pet sitter going into particular rooms such as your bedroom, then leave the doors shut to those rooms, and leave instructions on which rooms are out of bounds. Make sure you discuss with the pet sitter if you are happy for them to visit your property with a friend.