How do I prepare my home and pets
for a pet sitting service?
Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly
things go for your pet when the pet sitter comes to visit.
Here are some tips:
Make sure the pet sitter has a phone number where
you can be reached.
If inside services are requested, provide the pet sitter with a house key
in addition to garage door openers.
If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure
they work.
Clean food and water dishes before leaving town.
Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just
in case you’re not able to return when planned.
Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage
and wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies
or other pests.
Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable
for the pet during your absence. In warm weather, a
closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short
time.
Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter
needs to contact service or maintenance companies while
you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician, cleaning
service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are
off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Secure
access to those areas before leaving home.
What can I do to help my pet sitter
take the best care of my pets?
You can help your pet sitter be a better friend to your
pet by helping to make sure there are no problems while
you are away. Planning and preparation in the following
areas will smooth the way:
Tell the pet sitter about all health problems your
pet may have—major or minor.
Provide written verification that your pet is up to
date on its vaccinations.
Make sure your dog’s collar fits—otherwise
he may slip out of a too-large collar while being walked.
If your dog is not accustomed to walking on a leash,
practice with him before you leave.
Make a list of your pet’s favorite hiding places.
This will prevent the pet sitter from worrying if your
pet is not where expected—the sitter will know
where to look.
Provide your own preferred method of flea control,
even if your pets are currently flea free. Fleas multiply
rapidly and can become a problem very quickly.
If you own both dogs and cats, do not ask the sitter to “just ignore
the cats;” i.e., not charge, during pet-sitting visits. Our sitter’s
professionalism, ethic responsibility and conscience would not allow the
oversight of a cat in need of food, medical care or human attention.
If your dog growls or snaps at a pet sitter during
a "get-acquainted visit,” understand that
the pet sitter may ask that you make other arrangements
for your dog’s care during your absence.
How long do the visits usually last?
What do you do on the visits?
For cats, the average visit is approximately 30 minutes,
for dogs it is approximately 40 minutes. The service includes
feeding for all of the animals, clean up, litterbox cleaning
for the cats, walking for the dogs and of course—playtime!
We try to provide you with the same pet sitter when you
schedule, however, there will be times when that person
may not be available. In that instance, we will provide
you with another equally qualified pet sitter who will
have all the information about your home and pets.
We hope that you consider becoming one of our new customers and
give us the opportunity to provide your pets with loving, professional
care. --Your pets will be glad you
did!