Hiring a Pet Sitter

If you're lucky, you have a reliable person who is willing to take care of your pets while you're away on vacation. Perhaps you can swap pet sitting duty with a friend who has pets, or maybe you can draft your neighbor's twelve year old for a few days.

There may be times, however, when you need or just want a professional to do the job. This may be the case if you have an especially valuable animal, or if you'd rather not worry about having an acquaintances snooping through your computer files or bank statements.

One of the best ways to find a good pet sitter is through word of mouth. Check with your veterinarian or with your local pet stores. Ask friends who have used pet sitters in the past whom they would recommend. Ask, too, about people you should avoid hiring.

If you can avoid it, try not to choose a pet sitter randomly based on an ad in the phone book or a flyer at the grocery store. After all, anyone can call him or herself a pet sitter, but that doesn't mean they are trustworthy or even that they know the first thing about caring for animals.

When you have a list of two or three potential pet sitters, set up interviews with each of them. This gives both you and your pet a chance to meet and interact with the pet sitter. Watch closely as the pet sitter interacts with your animal. Does she seem frightened of your large Doberman? Does he seem annoyed when your cat rubs against his legs and gets fur on his pants?

An interview is also the perfect time to ask the pet sitter some important questions. One of the first things you'll want to know is whether the pet sitter has insurance that will cover any damages she causes to your home or property. If you are considering hiring a pet sitting service with several employees, make sure the owners are bonded--this will protect both you and the owner in the event that one of their employees steals something from you.

Next, find out exactly what the potential pet sitter charges and what services are covered. If your pet needs special attention (e.g., a diabetic cat who requires insulin shots) be sure the pet sitter is willing and able to provide it.

You might also ask the pet sitter how he will make sure your animal is cared for in the event of an emergency. Suppose, for instance, that the pet sitter's car breaks down or he gets into an accident. Does he have backup in place to care for your pet?

Finally, ask for two or three references. Once you have them, don't be shy about calling them. Ask the references pointed questions about their experiences with the pet sitter you are considering hiring. Some things you may want to know include whether or not the pet sitter has ever damaged any of their property and if so, how he handled it; whether or not the pet sitter has been reliable; and whether or not they would consider hiring this particular person again.

Once you have selected a pet sitter, that person should ideally offer you a contract that includes the services to be provided and the cost. If the pet sitter doesn't produce a contract, than produce one of your own and have her sign it.

Most people become pet sitters because they love animals. With a little caution and common sense, you should easily be able to find someone who loves your pets and treats them--almost!--as well as you do.