Pet Sitters Speak Out
Our recent post on pet sitters brought a great response from numerous readers.
Two are set out below:
..."It amazes me how many people consider their pets children yet don't think they have to pay for pet sitting services, especially if you stay at their home. While being able to stay "for free," when you are taking care of a pet your time is not your own. You have to accommodate the pets' schedule of walks and feedings. I really don't understand why people don't think
pet sitters deserve to be compensated for putting their pets first..."
..."I am a pet sitter and these are very good tips to give travelers. I also require my pet sitting clients to fill out a veterinary release form authorizing me to seek medical care should the need arise while the owners are away..."
You thoughts are still welcome.
Readers React to Pet Sitter Rules
I received some very different comments from pet owners regarding their experiences with pet sitters.
Also, some professional pet sitters joined the discussion.
Some of the comments of one sitter are below:
"It's nice to see you write about pet sitters. You have great points. I started my pet sitting business seven years ago and I have seen a lot of new pet sitters come and go. Pet sitting sounds like a lot of fun and it is, but there is a LOT of responsibility. Most of us love our pets like our children. They are family. One thing other than meeting the sitter and feeling comfortable with them is the sitter should have liability insurance. I have several sitters so we are all bonded and insured.
I do background checks on my sitters too."
Pet sitters should be professional and not a neighbor doing a favor.
What Are The Requirements for a Good Pet Sitter
One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear concerns the use of a pet sitter when traveling.
When you engage someone to care after you pet, you should consider the following:
Your Name;
Your email address;
Your cell phone numbers;
Your travel plans and dates;
The name of the hotel or location you are visiting along with all local email, cell phone and facsimile information;
The name and address of your veterinarian;
The business and cell phone of your veterinarian;
Driving instructions to you veterinarian;
The name and number of a local personal contact for emergency purposes, and
An updated power of attorney for that local contact.
There are many qualified pet sitters. Make sure that yours is one of them.
