You just booked that dream vacation and you’re so excited! But who’s gonna take care of your fur baby?
Let’s face it… bringing a total stranger into your house can be an anxiety-provoking experience.
Here are some tips on how to hire a high-quality Pet Sitter who will take care of your fur baby like family.
Use a Reputable Website
Use reputable websites such as Rover, Trusted Housesitters and Wag.
Check Their Background.
Was a background check performed by the website? Nowadays, most of these websites perform a criminal background check. They have a reputation to uphold, but you still want to be careful as once the damage to your home or your pet’s safety is compromised, no amount of money can “fix” the situation. Don’t expect for the website to do much more than reimburse you.
Perform Your Own Background Check
Do a quick search online for any criminal activity. See any social media posts where they are inebriated with alcohol and passed out? That’s not a very good sign. Or do you see nice social media posts and pictures where they are standing in front of the Grand Canyon with their family? That inspires a lot more confidence than the former.
Look at their Past Work History.
Let’s face it…certain professions are far more strict regarding following the law and misconduct. What’s their work history? Were there any significant gaps? Often times, these ‘gaps’ were due to the person being terminated. It may or may not be due to misconduct, but you always want to keep this in mind.
Are they a retired attorney or nurse? This may be safer than a ‘self-employed professional’. That so-called ‘Self-employed professional’ may have not been able to get a job due to criminal issues or drug use. I once had an employee I fired for theft. She now advertises herself as a ‘Self-employed Business Accountant’. It’s scary that she can access other people’s financial records and money.
Look at Their Past Professions
An older retired professional who used to have their own business or worked as an executive will likely be more responsible than an inexperienced teenager. They have experience dealing with difficult and sensitive situations. You want someone who has good judgment and can handle the worst-case scenario. What would happen if a tree fell on your fence? Or your furry baby has a medical emergency? Can you trust that the sitter will know how to handle this?
Check their Training.
Pet sitting has become a professional service and career to many. Sitters may have emergency training and certifications in Pet CPR, medication administration as well as other specialized forms of training. Those are the type of sitters you want to hire. It means they take their career seriously and have invested time and energy in going the extra mile to ensure your home and pets will be safe.
Check the Number of Sits Done
Professional pet sitters usually have built a reputation. Some are older, retired professionals looking to travel while others are looking for extra income. Ask for references. Beware if they only give you references from friends or family. Experienced Pet sitters will have performed pet sits for all types of people and have the numbers to prove it.
Check their References
If the sitter only has family and friends who can vouch for them, you may want to look at more experienced sitters. It’s better to get someone with more experience.
Ask What Type of Animals They Prefer
Cats? Dogs? Horses? Most petsitters have a preference and their experience can vary.
Do a Virtual Interview
Do a virtual meet and greet. Some websites now have a portal where one can confidentially meet you. You can get a feel for their demeanor. Ask them about their experience and background. Is their home a mess in the background or is it clean? Do they show up to your appointment looking like a mess or well-dressed?
Set Expectations.
- Most people will need their mail picked up daily. If you travel a lot and you’re not comfortable with a stranger looking at your mail, then get a virtual mailbox. I have one at Anytime Mailbox Having a virtual mailbox is nice so you can check your mail online anywhere in the world. It also helps to cut down on paper mail as the service will dispose of mail for you.
- Make it clear how many hours a day you want the sitter to spend with your pet and how this time will be used. Some animals require more time and attention. Will they be trustworthy enough to spend time with your pet, or will they take advantage of the situation and be at the beach all day? Of course, we want the sitter to enjoy their stay, but there should be a certain expectation for the care of your pet and home. Your home is more than just a hotel room.
- Write down feeding time, how often the plants need to be watered, home address, etc
Make a Written contract
Have a written contract with the expected hours spent each day with your animal, feeding times, walking times, and medication schedule. This helps to establish expectations as well as the hourly or day rate.
Have a Back Up Plan
Tell your family or friends that you’re hiring a pet sitter just in case something goes haywire and they need to step in. Give them a key or the house code in case they need to make a visit to your house.
Check your Homeowner’s policy
Call your agent to make sure you have enough insurance coverage and it covers a sitter at your house.
Now that you’ve completed this comprehensive list checklist, go relax and enjoy that much-needed vacation!
