Hiring a pet sitter is a big deal. After all, you want your pets to receive the high level of care you give them every day.
Be sure to do due diligence when hiring a pet sitter. Ask plenty of questions of both the pet sitting company and the individual pet sitter, and take notes so you remember everything that transpired.
Some of the questions you’ll want to ask include:
What experience does the professional pet sitter possess? How many years has the pet sitter been doing this job? What pet care experience does she have?
Can your pet sitter provide references? Ask for references and call them. Talk to the pet sitter’s other clients to find out what they have to say about their experience. Many professional pet sitting services also feature testimonials on their website.
Is the pet sitting service insured? Insurance is important to protecting both your pet and your home. Ask the pet sitter if she is insured.
What happens in case of an emergency with your pet sitter? People get sick. They get hurt. Find out what the pet sitting service does if your pet sitter can’t make a scheduled appointment. Pet Sitters Ireland, for example, assigns a backup pet sitter to every pet sitter. So, if your pet sitter can’t make it, the backup pet sitter will step in and take her place.
What happens if your pet has an emergency? What is the protocol for caring for your pet in an emergency? Do you sign a form ahead of time, agreeing to veterinary care in an emergency? Or, must the pet sitter contact you first?
Where is your key kept? How is your house key kept safe when your pet sitter is not out on a visit? Who keeps it, where, and how does the pet sitter know it belongs to your home? (Listing an address on a key is dangerous and not commonly done with professional pet sitting services.)
How can you contact your pet sitter? Whether you just want to check in and see how your pet is doing or you have an emergency, you must know how to contact your pet sitter. You may have to call the pet sitting service or you may be provided with a direct line, depending on the pet sitting service’s company policies.
How far in advance do you have to book appointments? Sometimes you have plenty of time to prepare for hiring a pet sitter and can do so well in advance. Other times, emergencies creep up and you need a pet sitter immediately. Does the professional pet sitting service offer the ability to book last minute appointments?
How much does each visit cost? How much does each daily visit cost? How much do overnight visits cost?
Will you sign a contract? If you sign a contract, be sure to carefully read the entire document before signing on the dotted line.
Ask plenty of questions when you initially contact the pet sitting service and when you meet your pet sitter for the first time.
Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to the care of your pets.
If you are unsure what the role of a Pet Sitter is, or what questions to ask, then get in touch on Freephone 1800 30 30 10
