What to Look for in a Pet Sitter
Leaving your dog with a pet sitter is a little like leaving your child with a babysitter: you want to know that they’re in good hands. This is especially true if the person you’re trusting is staying in your home, among all your valuables (along with your most prized possession: your pooch!).
So, what are a few things to look for before you complete the hiring process? Consider….
Finding someone with references
References speak volumes and a good sitter should be able to wrangle up a few people to vouch for them. And, no, their mom doesn’t count. If the person is new to pet sitting and can’t provide references of past employers, request references that attest to the type of person they are. After all, character counts! You may also be interested in their resume, pet-related or not.
Reading reviews
If you’re going through a pet sitting service, then the available sitters should come with reviews (assuming they’re not complete novices). If they do, read them! Look for reviews that aren’t just across-the-board glowing, but also specific. You want to know that they’re legitimate.
Finding someone who shows interest in your pet
The best sitters want to know about your pet. They ask questions about what your pup enjoys doing or what kinds of foods they can and can’t eat. They go out of their way to give them attention and they speak to them much as you would. They call them by name and remember important specifics. In short, they act like your dog matters (because they do!).
Looking for flexibility
A pet sitter with a rigid schedule or one that can’t adapt to the needs of your dog isn’t much of a pet sitter at all. If you’re considering hiring someone who makes a comment about how they have
class four hours every evening or how they prefer not to go on walks when it’s under seventy degrees, give it a hard pass. They work for you, not the other way around.
Listening to your gut
Never underestimate the power of your sixth sense. If your gut is uneasy about someone or the questions they’re asking (So, how do you feel about me throwing a party?), listen to it! Don’t hire anyone that gives off red flags – they’re red for a reason.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
