The Advantages of Hiring a Long-term Professional Pet Sitter!

When you’re planning a trip and you can’t take your pets, you want to make sure they will be just as comfortable and happy as if you were still there with them. You may turn to a friend or the girl next door to pet sit. But although they are your friends, you may find they prove to be unreliable. On the other hand, you may try your luck at one of the many on-demand pet care apps. These are easy to use, but they will leave your pet with an uninsured stranger coming into your home.

Neighbors and hobbyist pet sitters can seem like a good choice at first but can actually put your pet and home at more risk than you realize. Let alone each time you go on a new trip you need to find the right friend or go through the whole hiring process again. Neither guaranteeing the happiness of your fur-child.

You can avoid the anxiety and hassle of this repeated process by hiring a professional pet sitter the first time. Pick someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and excited to take care of your pet. With years of experience and a glowing reputation, you can be confident you’re making the right choice. So, what are the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter?

Professional pet sitters have EXPERIENCE that part-time and on-demand pet sitters won’t.

Professional sitters have committed their time and energy to make this their career. This means they have their job and reputation on the line with each new client. Like any business owner, they are working hard to deliver the best products and care to their clients. With experience also comes knowledge. After years of watching after other’s pets, they will be confident and calm from the very first meeting with your fur-child.

You are building a valuable relationship based on trust and care.

Trust is developed over time, and not something you want to blindly give to someone passing through to watch your pet. Just as you trust your hairstylist to know your taste or your mechanic to know your car; you want a pet sitter who knows all your pet’s needs and comforts. Working with a long-term pet sitter creates a connection and friendship with someone who will care for your pet as passionately as you do. You might be surprised when you and your pet start to see them as one of the family!

Your pets will be more comfortable and happier around the same sitter or team of sitters.

We all know dogs and cats are creatures of habits! They like to be around their family and fur-parents, and some can get nervous around new-comers. This can make them unpredictable even to you. With the same sitter your pet will begin to see them as a friend coming to visit. They won’t have to spend the first few days adjusting to a stranger in their home. Instead, they will be excited to play with and receive tasty treats from a familiar hand.

Your professional pet sitter knows your pets and your house in and out.

From the moment they step through the door, your pet sitter will ask questions about your pets and your home in order to provide the best care. With visits and walks, your pet sitter will begin to treat your pets just like their own. They will be dedicated to learning your pet’s personalities, their likes, dislikes, fears and the best ways to comfort them while you’re gone.

If your pet has medical issues, a professional pet sitter will ensure all treatments are done correctly. And they will take care to closely follow their feeding and medication schedules. You can also rest easy having the sitter watch over your house. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not they can take care of any small problems or alert you of larger issues. Your pet and your house will be in the hands of someone you are completely comfortable with.

No surprises and peace of mind!

It can be daunting to hire a new pet sitter and not know what to expect. You may find yourself worrying during your travels, instead of relaxing and being in the moment. But when you have a long-term pet sitter, whom you’ve used several times, you know exactly how they work. You can rest easy knowing they have the skills and knowledge to handle any situation, and that your pet is enjoying their time as well. There will be no surprises when you return home after a long trip.

Save time and money!

A professional pet sitter will most likely charge more than a friend or someone from an app. However, you will be saving yourself time and money in the long run. You can stop browsing the internet, calling businesses and scheduling meetings to find a new pet sitter each time you leave. With a trusted professional you won’t waste time worrying while you are away or coming home to any surprises that may end up costing you even more

How do I know if the pet sitter I wish to hire is in it for the long-term?

We know you want the best for you and your pets. Picking a long-term sitter that fits your home is a delicate task. Here are some questions that can help you narrow down your search and get the most out of your pet sitter.

• How long have they been active and in business? Most new pet sitters will quit before the end of their first year. It is not a job that everyone can handle. A pet sitter who’s been active for more than a year is more likely to be around for many more and comes with more knowledge.
  

• Do they have a professionally designed website? A good website is an investment and is a sign of long-term commitment. It also shows they take their job seriously and want to do the best for you and your pet.
  

• Do they run a proper business? Do they charge sale’s tax? A legitimate business model shows they are a real professional. They are committed to their work and are focused on being successful.
  

• Do they charge higher than average for their services? Higher service rates usually mean more experience and an established reputation. This can be a good way to weed out those that have less pet sitting know-how.
  

• Do they have specific policies in place? Smart business owners will have policies and a Service Agreement to protect the clients and themselves. Make sure you are hiring someone committed to their business.
  

• Do they take vacations occasionally? Professional pet sitters are aware of the importance of self-care to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. They need to take time for themselves, to provide the best lovable care to your pets.
  

• Are they doing this full-time or part-time? A part-time pet sitter could be someone just starting out in the industry. Depending on the needs of your pet a full-time sitter could be necessary to provide them with the best care.
  

• Does your pet sitter have a certification in pet care? Professional pet sitters will pursue an education in their field as they would do in any other career. You want to choose someone who has the necessary skills to take care of your pet and your home.
  

• Do they belong to an organization like PSI or PIJAC? Both organizations are made up of dedicated pet professionals. They have all worked to educate themselves and provide the highest level of pet care. You will know a pet sitter who is part of these organizations is invested in their work.

Leaving your home and fur-child can cause anxiety for anyone. And letting someone new into your house is a tough decision. Once you find the right professional sitter for you and your pet, you can avoid the headaches of hiring someone new each time. Your pets will be happier with a visit from a friend who knows exactly what they like and no interruptions to their daily schedules. You can rest easy knowing your home is well taken care of by a professional who takes their job seriously.

Save yourself the time and money of dealing with casual sitters and put your trust in someone who has made pet-sitting their profession.