Hiring a Pet Sitter: What You Need to Know

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Husky looking up at woman

Vacations are making a comeback! (Finally!)

But with the potential for leaving town on the horizon, you’ll need first to figure out who’s going to take care of your pet while you’re away. Looking for a trusted pet sitter is a smart place to start.

Professional pet sitters bring peace of mind while offering a variety of services, including:

  • Stopping by for scheduled visits or staying overnight in your home
  • Feeding your pets and filling water bowls
  • Providing exercise and playtime (this may include dog walking)
  • Cleaning litter boxes and picking up after your pets
  • Administering pet medications, if necessary

Plus, if you’re looking at the perks of going with an in-home pet sitter over traditional boarding options, the benefits speak for themselves.

Your pets will be happier and experience less stress by staying within the comforts of their own home. You’ll also feel better knowing you’re not imposing on friends and family or leaving your pet in a situation that could add potential anxiety.

So, how do you go about hiring a professional pet sitter?

To start, ask your friends and family for recommendations. Your veterinarian might also have specific suggestions, so give them a call as well. Of course, you can also check out Yelp, Google, and Facebook and professional pet sitting organizations such as Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAAPS).

(During your search, remember: All professional pet sitters should be bonded, insured, and willing to connect you with their clients so you can check their references.)

Once you have a few recommendations to contact, reach out to schedule a phone call or face-to-face meeting. A simple conversation will help you get a sense of how each person will interact with you and your pets, so pay close attention to their answers.

Here are a few questions to ask:

  • How often will you visit and for how long? What will you do during your visits?
  • What is your experience with animals outside of pet sitting?
  • Do you have a written contract or agreement? If so, what does that include?
  • Have you ever had to handle an emergency while pet sitting?

From there, invite the sitter to your home to meet your pet. During this time, you can share information about the kind of care you’re looking for, any important notes about your home and surroundings, and answer any questions you have about services and policies. Just keep in mind: You should pay the sitter for this trial service; it’s well worth the investment to make sure you feel secure leaving your pet in their care.

For the best in professional pet sitting, look no further than Woofie’s!

If you’re looking for a reputable sitter to take care of your pet, Woofie’s has you covered.

Depending on the service you choose, your pet will get multiple visits per day that include exercise, indoor/outdoor playtime, and lots of individual attention — all without having to leave your home.

Plus, you can use the Woofie’s app to communicate with your pet sitter and track your dog’s walk on GPS. Sitters can also use the app to send journal entries and photos so you can stay connected to your pet no matter the distance.

Our pet sitting services include:

Individual Visits

If you need someone to come to your home and take care of your pet during the day, we’ve got you covered. In addition to walking and feeding your pet, we’re also happy to bring in the mail, water plants, and perform crime-deterrent measures like rotating the lights in the evening and opening the blinds in the morning.

In-Home Care

Overnight care is an excellent option for all pets, especially older and puppies who require more bathroom breaks and closer attention. This service includes early morning and evening feeds and walks, waste removal, litter box cleaning, and anything else included in our regular pet sitting services.

Bed & Biscuit Overnight Care

Instead of staying at your home or a traditional boarding facility, our Bed & Biscuit service allows your pet to stay with one of our sitters in their home for 24-hour personal care. This option provides everything your pet would receive through our in-home service. Plus, if your pet likes to play with other animals, you can specifically choose a sitter with other pets.

So, are you ready to book your pet sitting service? If so, visit our website for more information! We look forward to visiting with you and your pet very soon.