There are times when you need or want to travel without your dog. If you don’t have friends or family members who can be with your dog, consider hiring a responsible dog sitter. Many dogs find the experience of having a dog sitter in the house much less stressful than going to a boarding kennel or dog day care because they are in a familiar environment. Questions to ask a sitter include learning about his previous experience and qualifications, as well as his philosophy and approach to working with dogs. Just because someone loves dogs doesn’t mean they have the skills and experience needed to properly care for your dog.
How to find a dog sitter?
Finding a responsible pet sitter can feel overwhelming. Often the best dog sitters are found through word of mouth. When looking for a dog sitter, talk to other dog owners in your local area and ask who they hire. You can also ask veterinarians, trainers and groomers for recommendations on experienced and reliable local dog sitters. There are professional pet care organizations that you can also look for a professional pet sitter:
There are also pet sitter apps to help match you with a pet sitter:
Questions to ask a dog sitter
Once you get a referral, schedule an interview to get to know potential dog owners. Both you and your dog should have the opportunity to interview the sitter. You will want to ask questions about the sitter’s experience and approach to working with dogs. It’s important to give your dog a chance to interact so you can understand how he feels. Here are the questions you should ask a potential pet sitter:
- Ask for references to past customers.
- What is her experience with different behaviors, ages, and breeds? If you have a puppy, adult dog, adult dog, or dog with special behavioral or medical needs, it is important that a sitter has the strength and experience to provide appropriate care for your needs. your dog’s own needs.
- Although your dog sitter is not a trainer, ask about his philosophy around dog training/behavior and how he navigates when dogs do something unexpected or naughty. . Make it a priority to find a babysitter whose handling and training methods reflect your approach and make sure she uses positive reinforcement coaching techniques, not aversive punishment.
- Do pet sitters have business insurance?
- Is she certified in CPR and first aid?
- What does her daily routine look like and how will that include your dog? Some sitters only check on dogs a few times a day, while others will move into your home. Some dog sitters are also dog walkers or have other jobs and may be away from home for a significant amount of time during the day, while others will spend most of their time with your dog. . Does the amount of time he will spend with your dog make you feel comfortable?
- How often and when will he contact you each day? Does he send texts or photos with “proof of life”? Will he communicate only if there is a problem or question? Are you comfortable with the amount of communication you will receive from a pet sitter?
Information for your new dog sitter
Once you’ve hired a sitter, but before you set off on your trip, provide the pet sitter:
- Your mobile number and the best way to contact you.
- Local emergency contacts in case you cannot be reached.
- Contact information for your dog’s veterinarian, as well as your preferred local emergency veterinary clinic. It’s a good idea to leave a credit card on file at the vet clinic in case your dog needs to be seen while you’re away.
- Contact information for anyone else locally who has a good relationship with your dog, including your trainer and/or groomer.
- Set up a communication plan with your dog sitter to let him know if you’d like to hear from him daily or every other day and if you’d like to send pictures or email you.
What your dog sitter should know about your dog
Before you hit the road, leave written instructions on your dog’s habits so that the sitter can refer to when with your dog. Go through these verbally:
- When your dog eats.
- Medications and medical history, such as if your dog has a food allergy or struggles with separation anxiety.
- If your dog should be walked and what equipment should be used (leash, special leash, etc.). Give special instructions if your dog has a leash reaction.
- When your dog needs to go outside to potty or play.
- Your dog’s favorite toys and games.
- Any training rules you want to make sure will be reinforced while you’re away, such as if your dog is allowed to go to bed or not punish your dog for jumping on people. https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-jumping-on-people
- Any odd challenges or behaviors, such as if your dog reacts to other dogs or is afraid of thunderstorms.
Have your pet sitter come to your home before you leave and guide him through your dog’s daily needs, show him where he eats his meals, and where all dog supplies are stored.
What your dog sitter should know about your home
In addition to making sure that your dog sitter has all the necessary information on how to care for your dog, you also want to share details about your home.
- Your house keys or codes for any alarm system.
- The password for your WIFI if he’s going to be at your house, as well as any passwords needed to access your television and any other home amenities you want the babysitter to have access to.
- Any other work, such as watering the plants, receiving mail, what is the date of the garbage collection, etc.
- Where you store spare toiletries and towels in case there’s any mess while you’re away.
Traveling without your dog can be a huge source of stress, but with the right dog sitter at home, your mind can be at ease. Always make sure you are comfortable with his qualifications and experience. A good sitter will keep your dog safe and maintain your dog’s routine as consistently as possible while you travel.
