How to Find a Great Petsitter

Summer vacation is quickly approaching, and you have a great trip planned... but what to do with your precious dogs?

Finding a quality petsitter can be an arduous task.  When I first started looking, i was overwhelmed and dubious about using a service like Rover because I have heard so many horror stories, like a friend of a friend who had their dog held for ransom by a Rover sitter. 

Ask Your Friends and Use Social Networks like NextDoor and Facebook

Word of mouth is absolutely the best way to find a good petsitter. Social proof, in the form of organic testimonials (I prefer personal references from people I know, or at least unbiased 3rd party testimonials from actual clients, rather than references provided by the petsitter themself), is key. If you don't know anyone who has a great petsitter, head to social networks like Nextdoor or use a community group specific to your area and ask the question- or search the group for recommendations. Make a list of the top suggestions, and if one of those suggestions isn't available, ask them if they have any other suggestions. You can also ask your veterinarian if they have any recommendations. 

Check Availability and Insurance

If you have specific travel dates in mind, or are looking for a daily walker, ask if they can accommodate those times. Be up front- if you need someone there all day, every day when you are away, or if you have very specific times you dog needs a walk, this is the time to check in about that. Ask if they carry insurance for their pet sitting business.

Schedule a Meet and Greet

Ask them if they would be willing to meet you and your dog to go over everything before they start. You want to make sure your dog is comfortable with them and visa versa. I like to schedule them to come a few times for either walks or "hang out time" before a long trip. For example, I paid my petsitter to come spend a few hours with my dogs when I had a local wedding to attend before she stayed with them for ten days.

Ask the Right Questions

If you have a dog with special needs or that requires medication, ask immediately if they are comfortable with those needs. This is especially important if you are giving liquid medications or injections which many people aren't comfortable giving (ask me how many experienced pet sitters I had to pass on because they didn't know how to give them). Check in with them about how many clients they have had with special needs pets.

If they are walking your dog, ask if they are going to be walking with anyone else or if they are walking your dog alone. If they are walking with other dogs and you are comfortable with that, ask how they get the dogs used to each other, how many are on each walk, and if the dogs are roughly the same size.

Check in with their plan if the dog requires emergency care while they are there. 

If they are going to be doing overnights and staying in your home, ask what their rough schedule will be and what their needs would be for staying there. For example, I still have our housekeeper come. I let the petsitters know when anyone will be on the property so they aren't surprised.

Think About What is Acceptable to You for Someone in Your Home

• Are you okay with visitors? (Petsitters should never invite anyone over without your express permission)
• What is your policy on smoking in your house/on your property?
• Any foods that are absolutely not allowed? (for example, if you have a shellfish or nut allergy, you might ask for no shellfish or nuts, or if you are vegan, no meat)
• Are there areas of the house that are off limits?
• Where do you want them to sleep?
• What else do you need them to do? Water plants? Bring in mail/newspapers? Take out the trash barrels?

Leave Them with ALL the Details

I have another blog post on this topic, but to recap, here are few things to leave for your sitter. Do not expect that they will remember details from the last time they stayed with your dogs or the meet and greet. Imagine that you are giving written instructions to someone who has never met your dogs. Make it that easy.

• Feeding instructions, including where the food is kept, how much, what bowls you use, where the dogs eat, and at what time. Also, if treats are given, when and which treats are appropriate.
• Medication instructions- be very explicit about where the medication is (even better if you can put pills into daily pillboxes) and how you give it, especially if there is a special order to give the medication. Also, any special "tips and tricks".
• Any quirks or unique traits- for example, one of my dogs used to skip a meal or two when I would leave town. As long as it didn't go past 24 hours, it was fine. Another dog had a specific way she told you she needed to go outside to potty. Do not hold back with ANY details or "weird things".
• Emergency instructions, including the contact information of your regular vet as well as your preferred emergency vet and directions/address. Any allergies that you dog has.
• Local backup contact information- this is especially important if you are out of town. Who can make decisions about your pet in your absence?

Hiring a petsitter or dog walker can be an amazing addition to your pet's life. It gives another person who loves them and can give them attention in their world, and with proper planning, will give you more freedom.