Our dogs keep hopping fence when we go away overnight? We need a dog sitter. How do you get a dependable one?

Question

Neighbors are mostly elderly and can't be bothered.

Answer 1

Call your local vet. My daughter works at a Vet and that's how she started her side business of dog sitting.

Answer 2

#1 You need a higher fence!

#2 Finding someone who will care for your dog in their own home, who only takes a few dogs at a time, is much better than a boarding kennel or vet. But be aware that someone you find on a posting or any kind of ad may be giving you fake references (could be their cousins or personal friends and not clients.) Ideally, find someone local that you know who can verify her skills and reliability.

I'd ask the references how well their dog was treated, how long the dog stayed there, if there were any problems - and more importantly, how were the problems resolved?

I'd ask her about any experience she has had - Did she ever work as a vet tech? For a boarding kennel? What happens to your dog if she becomes ill herself or has a family emergency and has to go away? Does she have smoke detectors and what are her fire evacuation plans? Does she have an on-call vet if your dog become sick or injured? Will she use your vet if you prefer? Will she feed your dog the food you bring? (That's better for you and her - your dog won't get diarrhea from a food change.) Is your dog allowed to bring a few of his own toys? Do all the dogs she boards have to show proof of vaccinations? (They should!) What happens to your dog if you have a problem and can't pick it up in a timely manner? (Often, the law says your dog can be sold for the money you owe her.) Examine the place where the dogs are kept - is the yard clean and securely fenced? What happens if your dog escapes? Does she have a picture of it and a plan to find it? Does she have kids? How old are they? Do they have access to the dogs? Do they walk them or feed them? What if your dog nips one of them? Is your dog kept separate from her other clients dogs? (Probably a good idea, especially if your dog is small or aggressive.)

Be sure you have a written contract, stating the price that you are expected to pay and who is responsible for vet bills if your dog is injured or becomes ill (usually you are). Make sure you get a copy of the contract as a receipt or you may have a hard time proving you left the dog with them if it disappears. Leave emergency contact numbers where you or a trusted family member can be reached at all times.

Now that I've got you worried, you'll probably do what I do - rent a cabin and take your dog with you!!!

Answer 3

What are your dogs doing outside, alone, all night? That's your problem right there.

Bring the dogs inside and they won't hop your fence. Get a pet sitter when you must leave them for more than 8-10 hours. Look in the phone book and look for sitters that are bonded.

Answer 4

Chain your dogs somewhere comfortable overnight. If it is just for one night, or twenty-four hours, they will be fine so long as they have enough room on their chain to poo out of their own reach. Give them eight foot of chain each and make sure they can't get tangled up in anything, including each other. Make sure they can reach shelter, food and water; give each dog a big, raw, split marrow bone. They will stay put this way.

Answer 5

Consult your vet or maybe a good friend who is familiar with the dog could sit for you

Answer 6

Call your Vet clinic. Many Vet techs also do dogsitting.

Answer 7

Find a local kennel

Answer 8

try a close relative family is always ur best bet