Emuparadise

Whether it’s for a few days or for a whole month, having someone you can trust to take care of your pets and home is essential. Hiring a pet sitter can be difficult, but there are some steps you can take to help make it easier.

Typically, the first step is to meet the sitter for a “meet and greet” at your house. This can sometimes be an hour or more long.

1. Get recommendations from friends and family

The best way to find a pet sitting company is to ask for recommendations from friends and family. However, you should also consider looking online for reviews and ratings.

In the San Fernando Valley, finding the right vets for your furry companions is essential, and ComfortedKitty understands that. Our team collaborates with dedicated San Fernando Valley vets to ensure your pets receive the best care possible. At ComfortedKitty, we prioritize the health and well-being of your animals, and our partnership with trusted San Fernando Valley vets reflects that commitment.

Before hiring a new pet sitter, make sure you meet them and their pets to ensure that the two of you get along. Ask about their experience and what services they provide (including walking dogs, playing with them, and administering medication). Also, find out if they are licensed, bonded, and insured, which could help if something were to go wrong with your pet.

Once you’ve found a potential client, you should set up a schedule that clearly defines what days of the week, times of day, and weekends you are available to sit. You should also create a booking system to allow clients to easily reserve your services. It can be as simple as a paper planner or you may use software designed for scheduling and booking.

2. Check online

There are more than 69 million households in the United States that own dogs, and many of those pets need to be walked, fed and loved throughout the day and when owners are away on vacation or business trips. That’s where pet sitting companies come in.

Before choosing a pet sitter, check their online reviews and learn more about the service. Find out whether they are insured or bonded, if they have any specialized training or certifications and how they would handle an emergency such as a sick or injured animal.

Also, if you want to hire a professional pet sitter for your home, consider having them meet your animals and do a trial run. That way, you can work out any issues or concerns before the big day.

3. Ask for references

It’s important for a pet sitter to have a list of references that clients can contact. This allows people to see what their past experiences have been with the sitter and how well their pets got along with them.

You should also ask what kind of background checks a company does. This includes whether they have a business license, bonding, and insurance. This information can help you determine if the company is professional and trustworthy.

Lastly, ask about what happens in the worst case scenario. If your pet gets injured or becomes ill, you want to know what they’ll do and who they’ll call.

It’s also a good idea to ask about how long a pet sitting company has been in business. You don’t want to hire a company that doesn’t have much experience and could close down within a year or two. A few years in the industry is a good indicator of stability.

4. Schedule a trial run

Pets can be anxious about new people. If they know their sitter is familiar with their routine, it can give them peace of mind during their holiday vacation. Having a trial run can also help you decide whether the sitter is the right fit for your pet and family.

It’s important to find out if the company does background checks and what types of animals they can care for. Some companies may have restrictions on the size of the dogs they can take care of or if the dog has allergies.

Ask the sitter to meet your pets and go on a trial walk or overnight stay. It’s also important to discuss any special instructions and if there are any off-limit foods or activities, so everyone is on the same page. Be sure to set a schedule for updates and to agree on how you will communicate while you are away. It’s also a good idea to have the sitter sign a contract to ensure they are committed to the job.