by Lara Willis, President - All Canadian Pet Services Network
Pet Sitters provide a valuable service to pet parents. Whether you are planning a vacation, or must travel for an unforeseen family crisis, a pet sitter is often available and capable of caring for your pets at your chosen travel destination.
Pet sitters provide care in the comfort of the parents’ hotel or possibly the pet sitter’s home, where calm, friendly surroundings provide the pet with reassurance. Losing touch with a parent is stressful enough for an animal – they may refuse to eat, cry, or misbehave in reaction to the separation. All these reactions may worsen if the pet is placed into a kennel or boarding facility with which they are unfamiliar. Travelling with your pet allows them to continue to enjoy your presence, while at the same time affording you the freedom to enjoy your vacation without worry for their well being.
When you hire a professional pet sitter, you can be assured that your pet will be cared for:
- for a guaranteed amount of time each visit
- for a guaranteed number of visits each day
- by a skilled, reliable, compassionate individual
- In a safe environment, free from potential infections
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Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you're away from them. A qualified pet sitter also spends quality time with your pet, ensuring your pet receives adequate exercise, companionship and affection, and monitors the health of your pet, intervening before serious problems arise.
While on vacation, many pet parents plan activities that are not pet friendly – dining out, amusements parks, zoos and theatres are not appropriate places to take your pet with you. Most hotels and accommodations have concerns about pets being left alone in their facility – noise and disruptions, soiling or destruction of linens and carpets can deter facilities from permitting pets. A pet sitter or dog walker is invaluable in ensuring that your pet is cared for and kept company, preventing these instances from occurring while you are sightseeing.
Hiring your Pet Sitter - Some Helpful Tips
Book Early
Many professional pet sitters have several clients at a time, particularly during peak times such as long weekends, Christmas holidays and March break. Consider searching for and hiring a pet sitter at least 6 weeks prior to the planned vacation.
Consultation
The pet sitter you choose should be able to come to your hotel and meet you and 
your pet. Observe how the sitter interacts with your pet, and how your pet responds to the sitter. Always plan ahead when hiring a pet sitter – making last minute arrangements with a new person can be worrisome, and important details may be overlooked. The consultation process should be a two-way interview, and can start from a long distance with telephone calls and faxes.
Information & Contracts
The pet sitter should obtain all necessary information from you regarding the care of your pet. Ensure the sitter pays close attention to details specific to your pet’s care, especially medical requirements, or basic instructions such as feeding schedules, favorite toys and activities, etc. The pet sitter should have a contract to sign, specifying the dates and times covered by the arrangement and the agreed upon costs. Ensure the forms are filled out completely, and be forthcoming about all information regarding your pet. Always leave a phone number at which the pet sitter can reach you in case of emergency.
Security & Insurance
Talk to your pet sitter about Insurance & Bonding. Ask your pet sitter who will be making visits, if not them personally, and arrange to meet the employees or contractors as well. Obtain proof of insurance in writing.
Emergencies
Ask your pet sitter about emergency plans and veterinary care. Ensure your pet sitter has coverage arranged for your pet if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen emergencies or events. Ensure your pet sitter can obtain veterinary care during their service, and has transportation available to get to the vet if required. Ask your pet sitter what veterinarian they plan to utilize.
References
Ask your pet sitter for references from current or previous clients.
Supplies
Leave pet food and supplies such as extra dishes, spoons, and treats in the open, or make sure your pet sitter knows where you keep supplies. Ensure enough supplies are available so the sitter will not have to run out and buy more. Leave items such as plastic bags, buckets of litter, scoops etc. in a convenient place so the sitter will not have to search for it.
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Many Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers in Canada are committed to ongoing professional development. Membership organizations, such as the All Canadian Pet Services Network (www.acpsn.com), are committed to ensuring professionalism within the pet sitting industry. Adherence to Professional Standards and participation in an Accreditation process and Client Satisfaction Survey program are just some of ways ACPSN members enhance their skills and service. |
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Photo Credits:
Top Panel - Yvette De Verteuil, Tail Blazers (Toronto, ON)
Middle of Page - Kristin Schumacher, Kitty Kompany Pet Sitting Services (New Westminster, BC)
Bottom of Page - Erika Talerico, 3 Leaves Pet Services (Vancouver, BC)