How do you know if the pet sitter you hire will be a good fit for you and your pets? Many pet owners want a pet sitter who is experienced, trustworthy, and reliable, but they’re not always sure how to go about finding one. These questions are designed to help you get to know the pet sitter(s) you are considering so that you can choose the right one for your furry family members.
1. Are phone calls and emails returned by the pet sitter in a timely manner?
Pet sitters are often busy during the day driving to and from clients’ houses and caring for pets, so they might not be able to answer your call or reply to your email immediately, but it is important that you are able to get a hold of your pet sitter to make schedule requests, changes, or cancellations.
2. Is the pet sitter bonded and insured, and can they provide proof of coverage?
In the event of negligence and or intentional wrongdoing on the part of the pet sitter, liability insurance and bonding protects both you and the sitter. Anyone can say they are bonded and insured, so be sure to ask to see a copy of their insurance card or certificate of coverage.
3. What days and hours is the pet sitter available?
Some pet sitters only work part-time or have a very full schedule, and may not be available certain days or hours when you will be needing service. You need to be sure your pet sitter is available at the times you need pet sitting.
4. How much notice does the pet sitter need in order for you to book your request for pet sitting?
Some pet sitters require a minimum number of days notice for schedule requests or charge an additional fee for short-notice requests.
5. Does the pet sitter meet with you and your pets in advance?
It’s important that you, your pets, and your pet sitter all feel comfortable with each other. You will be trusting your pet sitter to care for your pets and home while you’re away and giving them a key to your house.
6. How much experience does the pet sitter have caring for the type of pets you own?
To provide the best possible care for your pets, your pet sitter should be familiar with the basic needs and behavior of the type of pets you own.
7. Does the pet sitter have a service agreement?
A well-written service agreement is a mark of professionalism and explains the pet sitter’s policies and procedures as well as your rights and responsibilities as a client.
8. How much time will the pet sitter be spending with your pets each visit?
How much time your pet sitter needs to spend with your pets will depend on the number and type of pets you have and how complicated their care routine is. Some pet sitters have different visit time lengths for you to choose from others others do not have a set time limit on visit lengths.
9. What will the pet sitter do if your pet needs emergency medical care?
Your pet sitter should know basic pet first aid and be prepared to take your pet to a veterinarian for a medical emergency. You need to inform your pet sitter what your wishes are in the event your pet needs emergency care and the pet sitter in unable to reach you.
10. Does the pet sitter provide other home services for clients in addition to pet care?
Since the pet sitter will be at your home on a regular basis while you’re away, it’s convenient to have them take care of basic home tasks like bringing in the mail, watering plants, alternating lights, and putting out the garbage. Many pet sitters include these types of services at no additional charge.
11. Will the pet sitter provide daily updates letting you know how your pets are doing while you’re away?
Receiving daily updates can give you peace of mind knowing your pets are being well cared for.
If you have more questions about pet sitting or would like to get started with Ready Pet Go, please contact us or give us a call at 240-221-5335.
