Having a pet sitter come to your house or bringing your pet to a private pet sitter's home is an alternative to boarding your pet. This is an excellent choice for animals that demand extra attention and care. This may be preferable for senior animals, animals with medical issues, or "sensitive" animals for whom boarding kennels would be quite distressing!
Pet sitting involves caring for someone's pet while they are not around. Generally, pet sitters take care of pets in either their own homes or in the owner's home. A pet sitter's job is often demanding. Owners expect you to tend to their pets just as they would, if not better. Feeding, grooming, and exercising pets are just a few of the responsibilities that come with the job. That's why, before venturing into pet sitting, make sure you're willing to dedicate time to care.
Important Information Must Haves
Personal phone numbers and information on where you are going and staying are crucial in the event of an emergency. Ascertain that the owner is aware of the contact information for the closest veterinary facility and requests it in the event of an emergency. If they are not available by phone, having a talk about what you would want medically done in an emergency may save a lot of worries.
Inquire the pet owner about any food allergies their pet may have. Food allergies in dogs and cats need a special diet and rigorous feeding guidelines.
Make sure the pet sitter has enough food and treats for the duration of your absence, plus a little more. If you have the food in a container rather than a bag, write the brand and kind of food on the lid in case it runs out. We don't want an allergic response to arise because of the improper meal.
Ask the owners for a complete list of medicines needed if their pets have injuries or illnesses that need to be treated. Make sure you have an adequate supply of medicine and that they are properly labeled with timings and amounts. Medication overdose may be dangerous. You must be prepared to deliver the medicines comfortably.
If the pet you're caring for has a lot of energy and requires a couple of hours of running every day, be sure you can provide it. Inquire with the pet owner about any behavioral difficulties your pet may have, such as being friendly with other animals or irritable with other canines. Inquiring with the pet owner for the necessary details will guarantee that their pet-sitting routine is joyful!
It might be intimidating if you have never had a dog or cat, or if you have but have never cared for another person's pet. When you take your first pet-sitting job, there are a few things you should know.
Do's
- DO meet the pet owner in person for a comprehensive property tour to share shared legal responsibility that it is escape-proof and hazard-free with a property checklist and that dogs are suitable.
- To avoid contracting zoonosis, always clean and disinfect your hands or wounds after dealing with dogs.
- DO inquire about the pet's medical history as well as its behavioral history, such as if it is a rescue or has a history of violence, resource guarding, or escapism.
- DO inquire if pets are microchipped, and make certain they are wearing collars with ID tags and leashes before dropping them off. Check to see whether they have been desexed and vaccinated.
- DO provide daily picture updates and notify the pet owner of any changes in stool or behavior.
- DO always keep cats and kittens securely secured inside (with sufficient ventilation) at all times and never let them go outdoors without a suitable leash - even if the pet owner requests it since you never know when they'll run away. Indoors, a cat litter tray is required.
- DO NEVER walk more than three dogs at a time, and only take on dogs who are the suitable size and temperament for your strength.
- DO feed each dog on opposite sides of the yard or home to prevent conflicts.
- DO ALWAYS tidy up after your guests' dogs' feces, and NEVER walk a female dog in heat. It's against the law.
- DO make sure your phone is charged and that you are constantly accessible and responsive.
- DO recognize the value of your time, especially to someone who does not have any, by not lowering your price.
- DO suggest that the owner supplies food and bedding for their pet to prevent stomach issues and diarrhea.
Don't's
- DO NOT, even if you wish to pamper the guest's dogs, offer them additional treats or special meals against the owner's instructions. The animal may be on a restricted diet or be allergic or sensitive to dietary changes.
- DO NOT take dogs to someplace that has not been discussed and agreed upon in writing with the owner.
- NEVER EVER LET A DOG OFF THE LEASH IN A PUBLIC PLACE. It's a violation of the law. A dog must be under your supervision at all times.
- DO NOT EVER walk your dog in the middle of the day to avoid burned paws and heatstroke.
- DO NOT GIVE ANIMALS ANY MEDICATION OR MODIFY THEIR EXISTING MEDICATION WITHOUT THEIR PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OR THE INSTRUCTION OF A VET.
- NEVER hit or shout at your pet. Positive reinforcement may be used via reward-based training.
Conclusion
Most pet owners consider hiring a pet sitter to care for their animals to be a difficult and time-consuming operation, but this does not have to be the case. The key is to think of yourself first as an employer, and as an employer, you would do everything to acquire the best qualified and capable individual for the position. Remember to evaluate the sitter's knowledge of animal care. Always get letters of reference from past employment and do a thorough background check on your potential pet sitter. Since your pet sitter is not a veterinarian or animal expert, you should not rely on him or her for specialized expertise. Lastly, make sure your pet sitter lives nearby and is well-known among other pet owners in your neighborhood. This post has been written to provide you with the information you need to choose a pet sitter. By following these recommendations, you will certainly be giving your dogs the pleasure of a lifetime.