by Lori Mangold
When I was a flight
attendant, I learned firsthand the problems that arise when travel separates
people from their pets. My husband Scott and I even postponed our honeymoon
for a year because we didn't live near our families or know our neighbors well
enough to trust leaving our pets in their care. We knew they would be happier
and safer in our home -- and we were sure that other people preferred to keep
their pets at home, too. So, in 1988 we started our pet sitting business called
Paws for Awhile.
Because we are
so particular about who cares for our own pets, we understand what people want
and need in a pet sitter. And in the process of setting up our business and
teaching others how to start their own pet sitting services, we've put together
guidelines and checklists that may help you find the right person to watch after
your beloved animals.
A pet sitter is
someone who, by agreement and for a fee, comes to your home and provides the
pet care you require while you're away. When you hire a professional pet sitter,
your "babies" can stay in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of
home. And you don't have to worry about them being exposed to other animals'
illnesses in a kennel. You can also arrange to have your pet sitter water your
house plants.
Having a pet sitter
regularly visit your home offers security advantages as well: your pet sitter
will check your house, bring in the mail and newspapers, and alter lights and
window blinds so your home looks lived in.
A couple of years
ago, I saved the lives of two kitties--and a brand-new home. A man and his wife
moved to our cold climate from Florida and hired me to care for their kitties
over the holidays. During my first visit, I heard water running. I went into
the garage and found water pouring out of the wall. Their garage was flooding!
They had neglected to disconnect the outside water hose, and when the water
froze, the pipes burst. Luckily I was able to turn off the water and prevent
further damage.
The best way to
find a good pet sitter is to ask around. Talk to other pet owners. See if your
veterinarian has a list of pet sitters they recommend. Inquire at pet stores
and grooming shops. Look in the Yellow Pages under Pet Boarding and Sitting.
As you narrow
down your candidates, you'll want to ensure that your pet sitter is reputable.
Make sure they have liability insurance and bonding, a business license or home
occupation permit, and references. And check those references!
You should always
interview pet sitters in your home and have your pets present during the interview.
People may be able to fool you, but they rarely fool your pets! You'll also
want to see how they relate to your pets and whether your pets like their prospective
sitter.
Here's a list of important questions to ask:
| 1. |
Tell
me about your pets. (You'll recognize that animal-lover's smile
when they answer.) |
| 2. |
How
much time will you spend with my pets? (Their voice may be the only one
your pets will hear for days.) |
| 3. |
Have
you ever been in an emergency situation? How did you handle it? |
| 4. |
What
is your service routine? (Ask them to describe in detail what they will
do when they visit your home. A reliable professional pet sitter will have
a disciplined routine.) |
| 5. |
If
you become ill, who will care for my pets? (Do they have a business partner,
spouse, or family member they can call on?) |
| 6. |
What
happens if your car breaks down? (Responsible pet sitters should have a
contingency transportation plan.) |
Always complete,
date, and sign a Service Agreement between you and the pet sitter.
This is a must! This agreement should document descriptions of your pets, travel
dates, emergency contact information, people who have access to your home, location
of food and supplies, your veterinarian's name and telephone number, services
to be performed, special instructions, and fees.
Here are a
few helpful suggestions:
| 1. |
Make
sure they try your key in your door. You could give them the wrong key! |
| 2. |
Never
mail your key; it may not arrive in the envelope. |
| 3. |
Do
not put your name on the key. Use a number for identification instead. |
| 4. |
Show
your sitter where to find the pet carrier, carpet cleaner, and manual can
opener (in case the power goes out). |
| 5. |
Discuss
the "big four" of pet care: food, fresh water, potty breaks, and
lots and lots of affection! |
| 6. |
Ask
that before leaving your home, the pet sitter locate all pets to ensure
they have not been accidentally closed in a room or closet. |
| 7. |
Call
the pet sitter to let them know when you get home. They will worry until
they know your pets are being cared for. |
If you invest
the time to locate a competent, caring professional pet sitter and clearly define
instructions for them, your future trips will be worry-free. Because you'll
know your "babies" will get the best possible care--in your own home!
