|
|
Viewing Ten Tips for Finding a Competent Dog SitterTen Tips for Finding a Competent Dog Sitter
|
It is obvious that you cannot carry your dog everywhere, especially on long holidays. However, it is very important that you make some sort of arrangements so that your canine companion remains safe while you are enjoying your time away from home. By Steve Searls Pet owners often forget to plan for their pets when they go on vacation. It is obvious that you cannot carry your dog everywhere, especially on long holidays. However, it is very important that you make some sort of arrangements so that your canine companion remains safe while you are enjoying your time away from home. A pet sitter would be an ideal option for you when you go on vacation. This would allow your dog to stay in the comfort of your home and live its regular life. It is definitely a better choice than asking your friends to look after your pet, or keeping your beloved dog confined in the kennel. Here are some recommendations for finding the ideal dog sitter. 1. Personal References: Your search cannot get easier than this! Ask your friends or neighbors if they have ever used a pet sitter or if they know of someone who has. Word-of-mouth can often be the best reference. 2. Interview: You may call a potential dog sitter over to your home and see for yourself how well he or she interacts with your dog and how the dog responds. Your dog's reaction to the pet sitter is more important than yours is. If you feel that the dog is not too happy with the person, try to find another one. 3. Reverse Interrogation: The ideal dog sitter would ask many questions about your dog. He would want to know every tidbit of information, and would take notes. This would reveal his experience as a professional dog sitter. So if a potential sitter does not ask many questions, move on to the next one. 4. Affiliations: Rather than relying on an organization affiliation like PSI (Pet Sitters International) who are unlikely to know the pet sitters personally, you should check for the recommendations of your local affiliations. 5. Clientele References: Ask for references from the pet sitter's previous clientele. They can provide valuable feedback about the pet-sitter and you will get a clear picture of whom you are hiring. 6. Bonding and Insurance: This is a must! However, while this ensures the safety of your property, it does not give a guarantee that your pet sitter is a reliable or caring pet lover. 7. Clarification: It would be wise to get a copy of the contract and read all the details mentioned in it. Having a copy of this contract will inform you about the services and their rates. If you find something that is ambiguous, you can always ask questions. 8. Second Meeting: If you and your dog like the pet sitter in the first meeting and still have some concerns, you may arrange one more meeting and let your dog spend some time with him or her. You may set out for a walk so that you can observe the interaction between the potential sitter and your dog. 9. Gut Instincts: After you have done everything to find the best dog sitter, sometimes you just have to rely on your gut feelings. Hire the one you think is best for your dog. 10. Communication: Once you have hired your perfect dog sitter, you need to ensure that you provide him or her with every detail and complete instructions about your dog's routine and eating habits. Before you leave, do not forget to leave your contact details with the dog sitter in the event of any emergency. If you spend a little time to locate the perfect pet sitter, you will find it much easier to wave goodbye to your canine friend. About the Author: Dog obedience training teaches your pet to obey simple commands, and is a valuable investment of time that you will never regret. Dog training basics are simple and common sense. Visit obedience training for dogs for more information. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
|