Leaving your cat or dog in the care of a pet sitter can be a daunting experience. They will be living in your home, taking care of your possessions as well as your much-loved pets. With proper preparation and introduction, you can minimise stress and ensure a smooth transition for both your pets and the pet sitter. In this article, we will discuss the importance of preparation time, the introduction process, signs of a good match, finding a reliable pet sitter and additional crucial information to consider.
Preparation time
Start preparing your cat and dog at least two to three weeks before the pet sitter takes over. In the case where a pet has a more sensitive disposition towards strangers, add extra tea dates or walk strolls. The key is to consider your pet’s ability to cope with new people and adjust the preparation time accordingly. Additionally, getting a shirt worn by the sitter for your pets to sniff and get used to can help with the transition.
Finding a reliable pet sitter
Not everybody is trustworthy these days, especially with so many scammers doing the rounds. Therefore, it is very important to find a reliable pet sitter. Consider the following in your search for the ideal pet sitter:
- Go through a reputable pet-sitting agency like Caity Cares, which has a thorough screening process and prioritises finding the perfect match for your pets.
- If you choose not to go through an agency, conduct proper screening yourself, including reference and background checks.
- Conduct thorough interviews with potential pet sitters, discussing your dog’s needs, routines, and any concerns.
- Verify experience and certifications.
- Schedule a trial run before leaving your dog in the pet sitter’s care for an extended period.
Signs of a good match
To ensure that you will feel less stressed and guilty about leaving your pets at home, it is important to find a good match between your pets and the pet sitter. Look out for these signs:
- Your cat and dog initiates interaction with the pet sitter.
- Your cat and dog responds promptly to commands from the pet sitter.
- Your cat and dog appears relaxed and comfortable in the pet sitter’s presence.
Red flags
As it is not always easy to find the perfect match, there are a few red flags to watch out for. These include:
- Persistent fear, aggression or avoidance behaviours towards the pet sitter.
- The pet sitter struggles to manage your dog’s behaviour or fails to follow your instructions.
- The pet sitter is afraid of your cat or dog.
Introduction process
It is very important that there is a proper introduction process to introduce your pets to the pet sitter. Follow these steps to make the process easier for them:
- Meet the pet sitter at your home while you’re present.
- Have the pet sitter participate in your pets’ routine activities like feeding, walking and playtime.
- Gradually increase the pet sitter’s interaction time with your pets.
- Allow the pet sitter to spend time in your home while you’re present, so your pets become comfortable with them in your presence.
Don’t forget
Make life easier for both you and the pet sitter and remember to do the following:
- Leave a detailed guide for the pet sitter, including your pet’s schedule, dietary needs and any medical conditions. Go through the routines practically with the pet sitter to ensure a thorough understanding.
- Maintain open communication with the pet sitter, sharing any concerns or updates about your pets’ behaviour.
- Plan for emergencies. Ensure that the pet sitter has the contact details for your vet and their location.
- Inform your local vet of your travels – let them know who is taking care of your pet and discuss veterinary payment arrangements in advance, just in case.
- If your travels may have you out of contact for extended periods, appoint a trusted friend or family member as a backup for decision-making in case of an emergency.
In a nutshell
As pet owners, we tend to feel guilty for leaving our fur babies in the hands of other people. But by following these steps and considering these factors, you can ensure a successful and stress-free experience for both your pets and the pet sitter.
