{"id":933,"date":"2014-05-16T14:55:40","date_gmt":"2014-05-16T18:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=933"},"modified":"2019-05-30T14:30:20","modified_gmt":"2019-05-30T18:30:20","slug":"planning-pet-sitter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/planning-pet-sitter\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning for a Pet Sitter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"iStock_000020863550_Large\"<\/a>As you plan your summer vacation this year, you\u2019re probably wondering what to do with your pets. For many pet owners, boarding their four-legged friends at a local kennel is the only option they will consider, but for others, the idea of keeping their pets at home, under the care of a pet sitter, is an appealing thought, too.<\/p>\n

But how do you hire a pet sitter? What should you look for? And, perhaps most importantly, what information should you leave for your pet\u2019s temporary guardian? Before you hit the road, consider these tips and use them to make up your mind on what care is best for your pet while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n

Reasons to Hire a Pet Sitter<\/b><\/h2>\n

While a boarding kennel or pet resort might be a fun option for some pets, not all animals thrive outside of their home environment. This is especially true if your pet suffers from severe separation anxiety.<\/p>\n

Letting your pet stay at home and hiring a pet sitter can be just the answer for this situation: your pet gets to stay in his or her home environment and can rest easy knowing that home is still home, and that your return is assured.<\/p>\n

Pet sitting is also a great option for multi-pet households, where the cost of boarding can be prohibitive to going on vacation at all. While you should certainly pay your pet\u2019s caregiver, the cost of at-home care can often be less than boarding multiple pets at a boarding facility.<\/p>\n

Depending on which route you go when hiring a pet sitter, having someone care for your pets at home can also provide the added security that someone is checking on your house, bringing in your mail, watering your plants, and keeping the lights on at home.<\/p>\n

Finding a Pet Sitter<\/b><\/h2>\n

When hiring a pet sitter, you ultimately have one of two options. You can either look for a bonded, professional pet sitting service, or hire someone you know (and trust) personally. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately you will need to go with your gut on this one.<\/p>\n

Professional Pet Sitters<\/b><\/h3>\n

A professional pet sitting service can offer you the peace of mind that your pet is in capable and experienced hands. Depending on the service you choose, you may be hiring an individual who has gone \u201cpro\u201d at something that started small, or an agency that will send employees to feed, water, and walk your animals.<\/p>\n

Do your research if you opt for a professional pet sitting service. Ask friends and colleagues, your vet (of course), and your family for referrals. Likewise, be sure that the agency is bonded and insured, and that there are plenty of references to back up their sales pitch.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want to consider the agency\u2019s services and how much time will actually be spent with your pet, as well as if the same person will be caring for your pet throughout the duration of your vacation.<\/p>\n

People You Know<\/b><\/h3>\n

Finding someone you know to stay with your pets is a great option, too. For starters, it\u2019s likely that whoever you ask won\u2019t be a stranger to your pets, and that will be a comfort to your fuzzy family while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n

However, unless your life is ripe with college students, friends still living with their parents, or folks that haven\u2019t settled into a home and pet ownership routine of their own, finding someone from your circles to stay with your pets can be a challenge. Especially someone you trust. Here are a few things to consider when making your selection of potential candidates:<\/p>\n