I'm getting a house-sitter/pet-sitter to watch my dog while I'm on vacation. My dog has never been watched by a stranger before (I usually pick a neighbor) and I'm a little worried about this. My close friends and neighbor's are all sadly unavailable to watch my dog, and I don't want to use a kennel, so I've resorted to this. How do I pick a good pet-sitter that will be good to my dog as well as be safe in my house? We have a lot of vaulable things in my house that I don't want stolen. Anyone have experience with picking a good pet-sitter? Thanks!!!!
2006-06-17 05:21:38 · 10 answers · asked by ♥ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Talk to your vet. There could be a technician or assistant there who does pet sitting, but even if there isn't, the vet clinic should know of some good pet sitting services. That's how I found mine. The sitter I use has come over to see my dog even when I've been here, because she has fallen in love with him. I trust her, and Bogey loves her.
Also, if you happen to have a service that does pooper scooping, they may do pet sitting as well. Mine does. Some don't, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
When you find a service, make sure the sitter is bonded. That way if something is stolen, you can be compensated through the bonding agency. If you go through your vet, that is not likely to happen, because your vet would have heard about any problems from the other people who have used the service.
Good luck.
2006-06-17 05:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by zartsmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure someone you knows has had experience with a pet sitter in the past. I have heard people rave about their sitters and I have also heard horror stories. That is a tough one.
Personally I wouldn't trust anyone but a family member or a good friend. Too bad your dog couldn't go with you.
This is a true story: A couple that I knew had two small dogs. They liked to travel. They finally bought a motor home thing so they didn't have to worry about their dogs when they were gone.
Kind of extreme huh?
2006-06-17 14:16:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get lots of references and check them, lock up your valuables anyway, and let your dog meet the person and see how they interact with your pet. I would also phone the sitter on a regular basis while you are gone, and/or have a friend/relative that knows the dog stop by the house and see how things are going.
2006-06-17 12:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by besoseda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
background check is advisable -check better business bureau for any complaints on business. ask for references and check them. have a meeting with person who will be in your home and see how they interact with pet-pets are pretty good judge of character-be sure you give feeding-walking and other routine instructions so pet isn't traumatized too much by a change in routine. oh yea use a reputable pet sitting service--not someone off classifieds looking to sit.
2006-06-17 12:31:16 · answer #4 · answered by Rebecca T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your pet's doctor. They may know someone. What about a friend of a neighbor???
2006-06-17 12:25:40 · answer #5 · answered by Halo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
personally i wouldnt have any stranger watch both my house and my beloved pet. the best thing to do is find a reputable kennel and you will have one less worry .
2006-06-17 12:28:02 · answer #6 · answered by harmonyandericjrburns 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ask at the local pet shop or vet's office.
2006-06-17 12:25:31 · answer #7 · answered by banker lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for one that is licensed, bonded and insured.
Ask your friends and family for a recommendation.
Ask the petsitter for references and check them.
Your veterinarian can recommend one for you.
2006-06-17 12:31:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
pick some1 that has a dog, too.
2006-06-17 12:24:22 · answer #9 · answered by corbin909 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask friends. thy may know someone they can refer..
2006-06-17 12:27:22 · answer #10 · answered by Kate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋