To many pet owners, our furry friends are not just animals, but part of our family. In situations where you’re not able to keep your pets by your side, such as holidays abroad, it’s important to find someone to care for them that you can trust. You’ll want someone who can provide all of the same love and attention that they normally get, so that they don’t miss you too much when you’re away. In this article, we explore three of the most important questions to ask any potential pet sitter to ensure that you’re making the best choice for you and your pets.
What experience and qualifications do they have?
Before you get to know a potential pet sitter, it’s important to understand if they have the necessary experience and knowledge in order to properly care for your animals. This is particularly important if you have an exotic pet, as they’ll have very different needs to the more common animals that pet sitters usually look after.
However, even if you’re looking for a sitter for your dog or cat, it’s still crucial for your pet sitter to be knowledgeable about your pet’s behaviors and needs before you hand over your beloved companions. To get a good understanding of their experience, ask about which animals they’ve worked with in the past, including their breeds and any special needs. If you’re still unsure, you could also ask for references from previous clients for an extra layer of safety.
Are they able to administer medication?
Whether your pet needs regular medicine or not, it’s helpful to know if your potential pet sitter would be able to administer medication. For pets that need repeat medication, it’s a good idea to ask your pet sitter whether they’re familiar with how to administer it. It’s also important to specify the form that it comes in, as while some pet sitters may be happy to give pills, an injection or inhaler may be a different story.
In cases where your pet doesn’t require regular medication, it’s still important to find out if your pet sitter would be able to administer it in an emergency situation. Just in case the worst were to happen and your pet happens to fall ill when you’re away, it can be reassuring to know that they will be well cared for until you return.
How do they communicate with pet owners?
For those of us who pine for our furry friends when we’re away, it’s vital to have a line of communication with your pet sitter. Make sure to ask them upfront about how they usually communicate with pet owners, and how often you can expect to hear from them. Having an understanding of their preferences from the start can not only impact your decision on which pet sitter you choose, but it can reduce the chances of any misunderstandings once your pets are in their care.
Some pet sitters may offer daily texts or emails whereas others could provide video calls, so it’s important to consider what would work best for you before you settle on your choice. It’s also worth discussing how they would handle an emergency situation, and how they can best contact you if that were to happen. Of course, we hope that’s not the case, but it can be incredibly helpful to have a communication plan in place to be sure.
Trust your instincts
Choosing a pet sitter is not a task that should be taken lightly. You need to feel comfortable enough to leave your companion with this person, so make sure to take the time to talk to potential sitters before committing. By asking the right questions and trusting your instincts, you’re sure to make the best decision for both you and your pet.