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Pet sitting basics
We hope that this information will help give our clients' an overview of the benefits of pet sitting. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
- Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you're away from home. A good pet sitter also spends quality time with your pet, gives him exercise, and knows how to tell if your pet needs veterinary attention.
- What's more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look to deter crime.
- But just because someone calls him/herself a pet sitter doesn't mean he/she's qualified to do the job. This information on this page shows you how to find the best pet sitter for you and your pet.
- When you must be away from home -- say for travel or an unexpected emergency -- and don't want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you're like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your pet's bowls.
- But is this what's best for your pet? There's a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you're gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a pet sitter -- a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.
Why hire a pet sitter?
A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.
Your pet gets:
- The environment he/she knows best.
- His/her same diet and routine.
- Relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
- Attention while you're away.
You get:
- Happier friends and neighbors, who aren't burdened with caring for your pet.
- The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
- Someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away.
- Other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.
What should I look for?
It's important to learn all you can about prospective pet sitters' qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home.
Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from his/her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet(s) before actually hiring him/her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how he/she interacts with your pet -- does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods.
Information provided by WBNS-10TV
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