How to Prepare Your Pet for Pet Sitters

Pet sitting services have been gaining popularity and new businesses seem to be popping up around the country. Take a look at any bookstore and you are sure to find plenty of offerings that describe how to set up a profitable pet sitting service. One important consideration you may not find in those books is how pet owners can prepare their furry loved ones for the sitter.

Jamie Dickens, owner of Lazy Days Pet Sitting Service of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has worked with animals for almost a decade and in 2006 decided to establish her own business. Her experiences as a vet technician and her education in equine technology gave her much insight on how to help owners prepare their pets for a sitter. "Some of the advice I offer to pet owners may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of folks who just forget to provide necessary information about their animals. That's why I always have my clients fill out a thorough questionnaire about their pets," Jamie says.

Even if your pet knows his or her sitter, it can be quite stressful when they are left at home while you are on a trip. There are things you can do to help make the transition a little easier. Always have the sitter come to your home to meet your pet prior to your trip. It's essential that both the animal and the sitter feel comfortable with each other and have positive interaction. If your pet is on the shy side, it might be a good idea to allow the sitter to visit a few times before you actually leave town. This will give pets a chance to get used to the sitter coming into their territory. Another way to bring comfort is to leave an article of your clothing with the animals. Dickens shares that clothing that has your scent on it "helps them get through the first couple of days because it makes them feel closer to their owners." She also advises that you leave something you don't mind getting dirty!

Make sure the sitter understands your pet's personality. Does your toy poodle just like to sit in your lap? Does your lab have to have their playtime? Is there a certain way your kitty likes to be scratched? Where are your pet's toys located in the house? These little details are what make a difference in the happiness of your pet while you are away. Animals crave routine and if your dog is used to playing catch every evening, your sitter needs to know to keep up those activities. Equally as important is what kinds of games or activities your animals don't like. With my own cat, Lucy, petting her on a certain area of her back makes her a little agitated. It is in Lucy's best interest that I tell any sitter not to touch her in that spot for her own comfort-and probably for the protection of the sitter as well!

Besides creating a loving and comforting environment for your furry children when you are away, Dickens always makes sure her clients provide her with the following information and items:

-Leave plenty of dog food. Jamie tells, "You'd be surprised at the number of people who I will call to confirm the appointment and they'll say, 'Oh, I've got to get more dog food!'"

-Leave essential items like food, treats, medications, and leashes in specified locations. Dickens claims that there have been a number of times that clients have moved these items before they leave, forgetting to tell her. This has led to long hunts through the house searching for the basics; she keeps spare leashes with her, but of course special food or medications are not something she has a steady supply of in her vehicle.

-Make sure your sitter knows where the cleaning supplies are. Jamie uses her own cleaning tools at times, but it is much more convenient if she has access to the vacuum, broom, or floor cleaners in the event of your pet having an accident.

-Be sure to leave contact information including your cell number and the number of where you will be staying. Contact information for your pet's regular vet should also be available. If you'd like, you can also leave a name and number for a relative or friend that is in the area.

-If your animal has a health problem, leave plenty of medication. As Dickens wisely advises, "We aren't allowed to refill prescriptions unless you call your vet in advance and give us permission to do so." And she also tells clients to have a few extras in the bottle since there is always a chance something could happen. "Some medications become useless if they get broken, and of course some pets continually spit out the medication until it no longer resembles anything like a pill."

-Provide a list of any allergies or any other medical information. Dickens's own dog, a lab/pointer mix named Liz, has arthritis. "I would let a sitter know that she occasionally limps and if she does, it's nothing major. She usually works through it and has medication for it."

The most important things to remember when hiring a pet sitter is to find a reputable one with experience and references, and to make sure your pet is at ease with the person. Pets can experience quite a bit of anxiety when their owners are away for an extended period of time, but the advantage to hiring a sitter is that the animals get to stay in their familiar environment. Following these tips should help make the experience a positive one for you, your pets, and the sitter.