I'm going out of town in a cple. of months & was thinking about having someone housesit for me so I won't have to board my dog. What's the ettique on this? Should I pay the housesitter or would living in someone's house w/ all the essentials (food, tv, pool, etc) suffice? Just need some advice - never did this b/4.
2006-08-08 05:50:13 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It all depends on who you're having House Sit. If it's a friend, you can negotiate whether or not they want to live there or just come in, play/pet/feed/and walk the dog, pick up the mail, water the plants and put the bills in order. Iif this person is a stranger, I would highly suggest you get them from a reputable source such as a bonded agency. Even with the Friend you should pay them a little something for the convenience for you but the inconvenience for them. Through a service the rates would vary. Enjoy your trip.
2006-08-08 05:58:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you need to do is draw up a contract. You'll need to specify, in WRITING, what you expect from them as the owner, and what they can expect from you as the house sitter/caretaker of your pets while you're away. Consider what boarding costs, then figure up how much you want to pay this person. Since they will be sitting the house (therefore, watching it for you, getting the mail/paper, etc...or whatever else you agree for them to do), I'd say at least $25 a day, because a lot of people pay $10 a day just to check up on their pets - and that's only with stopping by the house and feeding the pets.
Also specify that they will need to clean the house the way it was when you left, no parties, etc..., along with when they'll be paid.
Art, I'm completely serious about the contract thing...I have seen people end up in litigation over damanges to their home, or where one person claims the other didn't pay them for something they felt they were owed for house sitting. People shouldn't be naive enough to think that they can shake hands and agree anymore, especially when it comes to their money, because with that type of agreement, it becomes he-said-she-said.
2006-08-08 05:55:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Will you be continuing to pay all the bills at the house? Does this person have their own place or do they still live with their parents? I find that the person who lives with the 'rents is much more likely to do the house-sitting without a fee, as it is as much a vacay for them as it is for you! However, whenever we leave we always leave a small stipend to cover animal expenses, unexpected problems, as well as their time for keeping everything nice and tidy and under control for you!
Make sure you set guidelines with the person about having people over and any other things that may upset you.
For the record, when we go away for 10-14 days, we usually leave our girl $150. All bills are paid and she has to watch two dogs and two cats. Plus she cleans the house while we're away. Hope this helps!
2006-08-08 06:04:05 · answer #3 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By all means pay the person. They are doing YOU the favor. I had a housesitter - but now I perfer to have someone come in three times a day to check on my pets. They offer this service in my town [I'm from a small town]. Check listings in yellow pages.
2006-08-08 06:28:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. They will provide a service for you, including security, pet care and maintenance, as well as caring for your pool. They will save you a lot of grief, if you choose well. I would pay them at least double what you would pay to board your dog, but not less than $100/week. More, if your home if of more than average value.
2006-08-08 05:57:49 · answer #5 · answered by craigsan91 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are able to go over each and all of the canines behavior, care themes with the owner previously so which you already know precisely what to assume. Make out a sheet of inquiries to ask the proprietors once you meet them and the pets formerly you start up off and save it for reachable reference. confirm you in lots of cases get an emergency style to attain them at, continually comprehend who has a spare key to their dwelling house, and make useful they have left permission with their vet so which you are able to have the means to take the canines in for scientific care, and that they have a credit card style on record with the vet so which you do no longer finally end up paying for the bill in case you probably did could take the canines in. good success..optimistically your next interest will go easily!
2016-11-04 03:26:03 · answer #6 · answered by holliway 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are willing to enjoy your hospitality, maybe leave some food around but that should be enough I would think
2006-08-08 05:54:43 · answer #7 · answered by dmxdragon2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would pay him or her a small amount; ask what they think would be fair. When people get paid, they usually do a more diligent job.
2006-08-08 05:57:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to pick someone who you trust..if you want them to take good care of your dog.. you have to offer them something.. some people do not take it as important -taking care of your dog....you need to write it out exactly what you want them to do....sorry but if you are leaving for couple of months--you need to pay something.. if it was a weekend or week--that's nothing...but couple of months--you are asking someone to walk your dog and stuff..think about it.. it takes commitment..careful who you pick to do it..
2006-08-08 14:18:56 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a friend they should do it out of friendship
2006-08-08 05:56:47 · answer #10 · answered by Maureen B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋