Preparing for a pet sitter may feel overwhelming at first, but it's crucial to ensure that your beloved furry companions receive the highest quality care and respect while you're away. Here are some essential tips to include in your pet sitter evaluation process, guaranteeing peace of mind and a stress-free trip.
Conducting the Research
Starting your pet sitter search can be done in several ways, first you can reach out to your veterinarian, friends or family members for first hand referrals. Secondly, research can be done online via several different types of resources. Websites like Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters missions are to further enhance the pet sitting profession by providing quality education opportunities and certifying pet professionals who are dedicated to their careers in the industry. You can also explore other platforms such as local neighborhood groups on Nextdoor or Facebook, as well as specialized websites that connect directly with pet sitters, providing a convenient scheduling platform for both parties.
Local & National Databases
Pet Sitters International petsit.com
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters petsitters.org
Neighborhood and community websites like Nextdoor or Facebook
Searching on national clearinghouse sites like Care.com, Wag or Rover
Checking Credentials
Once you have gathered a couple of pet sitters that seem to fit your location and search parameters it is time to dive deeper into their credentials. Credentials to look for right away include what their services are, pets they care for, pricing and their specific service areas. Pet sitters typically serve a specific area within their city, an example service area could be within a two-mile radius from their residence. It's crucial to assess whether their service area aligns with your location early in the process to avoid potential inconveniences later on.
Additionally, credentials such as certifications from reputable pet care organizations or affiliations with professional associations (i.e. Omaha Area Pet Sitters) can indicate a commitment to quality and expertise. It's also beneficial to check for testimonials or reviews from previous clients to gauge the pet sitter's reputation and reliability. Its is also important to ensure that the pet sitter has proper insurance coverage to protect both your pet and their business in case of any unforeseen incidents that could occur (i.e. natural disasters or medical emergencies).
Prepare Interview Questions
Once you have narrowed down to maybe one or two pet sitters, it is time to schedule your meet n greet and prepare your pet sitter interview questions. The meet n greet serves as an interview for both you, your pet and the sitter. The sitter will be prepared to ask you questions regarding your home and your pets needs to determine if they are a good fit based on their experience but this is also a time you should be asking them questions as well.
Common questions you can note to ask include:
Business Specific
How long they have been in business
How they would handle specific emergencies
Business policies, insurance & bonding
If they have been background checked or have a copy of one
Describing what a visit would look like
What kind of communication you can expect from them
Education & Certifications
See these additional pet sitter interview checklists from Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
Conduct the Meet n Greet
Now that your questions are written down and ready, it's time to conduct the meet n greet. The meet n greet is an initial consultation where the pet sitter comes to your home preferably seven days in advance or more before a requested reservation would take place. Scheduling a meet-and-greet at least seven days before your reservation provides ample time to assess compatibility with the sitter. In the event that the meeting reveals concerns or mismatches, you'll have sufficient time to seek out an alternative sitter without any last-minute rush.
Meet-and-greet sessions, typically lasting 30-45 minutes and held at the client's home, serve as an opportunity for the pet sitter to familiarize themselves with your pet's routine and your home environment, addressing any specific instructions or concerns you may have. Simultaneously, you'll have learned more about the pet sitter's background and qualifications, aiding you in making an informed decision about booking their services or exploring alternative options if needed. Towards the end of the consultation, the pet sitter may provide instructions for registering for their services, particularly if they utilize online booking platforms to manage their business operations.
Hiring A Pet Sitter
It's crucial to acknowledge that while pet sitters provide invaluable services, each sitter brings their own unique approach, experience, and compatibility with different pets and owners. Just as personalities vary among pets, so do the preferences and needs of pet owners. Factors such as communication style, pet care philosophy, and scheduling flexibility can greatly influence the compatibility between a pet sitter and their clients. Therefore, it's important for pet owners to carefully consider their own expectations and requirements when hiring a pet sitter, ensuring a harmonious and satisfactory experience for both parties involved.
Author: Roxanne D, OAPS Information & Technology Officer, Certified Professional Pet Sitter | Pet Nation Omaha LLC
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