Hiring a Professional Pet sitter

When we go away we need to know that our pets are being looked after properly. If you are going to hire a professional pet sitter then doing your research is the first thing, then there are a few questons you need to ask them.

1) Qualifications - A professional pet sitter should be qualified and you need to ask them if they have the right qualifications and insurance. We know that insurances never gives us a hundred percent  we are going to get a good service, but it dose give you that protection if you need it.

2) Experience - Ask them how long they have been pet sitting and their experience, but don't be put off by a pet sitter that has not be pet sitting for long, you can ask them if you can speak to their previous customers to get some feedback on them. If they are conifidant about their work this should not be a problem.

3) References - What ever service you are looking for asking for references is routine, do not worry about asking for these and make sure that once you have them, be sure to give previous clients a call so you can get as much feedback about the pet sitter.

4) Animal Laws -  Each country has its own laws regarding the care of animals and a lot of these are common sense, but it is in your best interest and the interest of your pet to ask the pet sitter if they are themselves aware of the laws to do with animals care.

5) Emergencies - When you go away whether its a business trip or holiday, anything can happen at any time. Your dog can become sick or injured; your pet sitter will need to have a veterinarian that is on-call for emergencies. But remember that you need to provide the pet sitter with your dog's veterianrian details as a backup, just in case their vet is unavailable. You can have your vet as the first contact option.

6) Checklist - If the pet sitter is staying at your home, they will need a checklist that they will use to ensure the safety of your house and the prevention of crime. When you have a pet sitter staying at your home you need to know that they are conscious of the fact that they are responsible for your house and its belongings as well as your dog. A checklist is to insure that they know what doors and windows to lock and any other security measures they need to take. This will be a positive sign that the pet sitter can be trusted.

7) Backup Plan -  All pet sitters should have a backup plan just in case something prevents the pet sitter from arriving at your house or looking after your dog in their home. The pet sitter may become sick so they should have a secondary pet sitter to take their place.

If you are lucky to know or find ex dog trainers or veterinary assistants that enjoy pet sitting, who have been involved with animals all of their lives, they are considered professionals in their own right. It would be good idea to take advantage of their service. But always remember to do your research no matter who is going to look after your pet.