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Why would you employ a pet sitter, and what to consider if you do.
by Scotty Valadao - Canine Behaviourist - www.friendsofthedog.co.za
by Scotty Valadao - Canine Behaviourist - www.friendsofthedog.co.za
Not all dogs are candidates for kennels, going to other people’s houses, or doggy day care, and there is a reasonable chance that a time may come when you may consider having a pet sitter come in to look after your pooch.
Reasons why you may consider a pet sitter
Finding the right pet sitter and what to consider
A safeguard would be to have your dog microchipped if not already done, as well as phone your vet and tell them a sitter will be with your dog and make arrangements for any costs that may be incurred due to a vet visit or medication.
What info you should give to your sitter
Although there is a lot to consider, should be able to relax knowing that your beloved fur kid is in the right hands.
Reasons why you may consider a pet sitter
- Any dog suffering from separation anxiety and owner cannot be with the dog as much as needed while the modifications to change separation anxiety are being done – the sitter must be shown what modifications to undertake while they are staying with your dog. To really change separation anxiety, you should always get the help of a professional canine behaviourist.
- If you are going away during the storm season and your dog suffers from storm fear, you can give your sitter the instructions as to what you do, so your dog is less stressed.
- Any dog that has fear issues.
- If your dog is in, or reaching his senior years, he will be much more comfortable in his home environment and the sitter can monitor his health. Older dogs do not adapt to change as much as younger dogs.
- All dogs tend to feel a lot safer when staying in their own environment and are likely to stress less if you are not home.
- The time the sitter stays with your dog can be tailored to your needs, ranging from an hour or two to a few weeks.
- The sitter can ensure that your dog still receives his walks, play time and attention to keep stress levels down.
- The majority of sitters will send you daily messages and pictures of your dog if you are away on holiday or business – a sure way to make any owner feel better!
- Most sitters will also watch over your home, water plants and garden when you are away.
- Having a professional sitter takes the burden off family and friends, and much better than just having somebody to come in just to feed your dog twice a day.
- If your dog is off colour, a sitter will be able to let you know, take to the vet, and give any medications needed.
- Your home is not left alone and less likely for a break in to occur.
Finding the right pet sitter and what to consider
- Ask the local vet and also ask friends if they know of anybody – there is nothing better than having a positive reference from somebody that has used their services.
- Have a look on the internet for sitters that service your area. There are also sitters that belong to organizations that keep sitters on their books. This is often a good option, as refs and experience are checked beforehand by the employer (or should be), and in the event that the sitter may become ill, the organization will have somebody else on their books to take their place. Always arrange to meet the sitter in person and agree on what is to be done beforehand and that they can meet with your dog first.
- Find out the person’s experience with dogs, if they have any canine related qualifications, the training they have done in relation to the sitting, and if they know basic first aid, and how long they have been sitting for. See if they have insurance that covers them whilst in the home, in the event that something goes wrong.
- Ask for references, and check them all
- Find out if they are happy about meeting family and perhaps neighbours that could visit on occasion or offer help if necessary.
- Tell them exactly what you want done regarding your dog – daily walks, games, giving medications, taking to the vet, sending you daily messages and even pictures using What’s App.
- Tell them what you expect regarding watering plants or garden, taking rubbish outside and so on. It is important that you both agree before you decide if the sitter will be correct for you.
- It is always a good idea to have a contract between the two of you, stating all that is required.
- If your dog has any behavioural issues or health concerns, it is important that the sitter is made away of same, and if they can handle the concerns.
- Ensure that any extras are included in the price agreed upon, the terms of payment, and if using a pet sitting organization, if paid to organization, or to sitter.
A safeguard would be to have your dog microchipped if not already done, as well as phone your vet and tell them a sitter will be with your dog and make arrangements for any costs that may be incurred due to a vet visit or medication.
What info you should give to your sitter
- Your own contact information and a contact at where you will be staying, the contact information of your vet, family or neighbours that may be needed.
- If your dog is microchipped, give them the information in the event the dog gets out.
- If you have home security in your area, to give them the details of same and contact numbers.
- Show them the dog food to be given (ensure you have more than enough), explain how often you feed and the manner in which you feed, as well as the times of day. If any treats are to be given, how often and how much at a time, and why given.
- Show them where your basic first aid kit is for your dog if you have one, ensuring they know how to use what is inside. If your dog is on medication, explain how to be given, the easiest manner to give to the dog, and the times the dog to receive.
- It is always a good idea to put all of this in a file, with any other pertinent information or documents, including a recent picture of your dog.
- The daily routine that you would like them to follow for your dog and anything to be done around the home that you have discussed.
- If any areas are off limit to the dog in the home, and if there is a swimming pool, is the dog allowed to swim by itself, or the rules regarding same.
Although there is a lot to consider, should be able to relax knowing that your beloved fur kid is in the right hands.
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