Being a responsible pet owner is more than just purchasing a pet online. It could be very demanding at first but very rewarding in the long run. A lot of pet parents face the dilemma of leaving their pets at home for prolonged periods of time – whether they’re going to their workplace, running errands, or going on a trip. Whether you’ll be away for just a few hours or a few days, leaving your pets at home alone will be an extremely challenging time for the both of you – more so for your pets. 

If you’re planning a trip, the idea of hiring a pet sitter may have crossed your mind. Honestly, this might be the best option, especially if you don’t have relatives or friends who can keep your pets company while you’re away.

In this article, we’ll discuss what hiring a pet sitter entails, how sitting services work, and what you need to know before hiring your dog’s new pet sitter Elkridge, MD.

What Are Pet Sitters?

Pet sitters are people who offer care services for pets for a certain period of time when pet owners require them. Pet sitters will visit your home at certain schedules to prepare your dog’s meals, provide them with their everyday necessities, and make them go on their daily walks. 

In certain situations, pet sitters may also be asked to provide pets with medication and other health-related needs that a pet may require, and accompany pets to any pre-scheduled veterinary trips and check-ups. 

Essentially, pet sitters help pet parents give the best care and everyday support to their pets when they’re not around.

What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Pet Sitter?

Now that you know what pet sitters do and what areas of pet care they can help you with, it’s time for you to know all the questions you need to ask your pet sitter before hiring them.

• Do you have relevant experience in pet sitting?

When looking for a pet sitter, one of the most important things you need to ask is a pet sitter’s experience. You want to know the types of animals they’ve handled, as well as the breeds they’ve taken care of. This will help you gauge their knowledge and skill when it comes to pet sitting. As much as possible, you may want to look for a pet sitter who has the closest experience with your pet’s temperament. You want to ensure that they’re open to providing more extensive care to high-maintenance breeds as well as the patience and energy to take your dogs on their daily walks and energy-spending activities.

• Do you have a pet-sitting services contract?

Professional pet sitters often require pet sitters and pet owners to sign contracts that will enumerate all the pertinent details regarding the pet-sitting agreement. This will include the services that you will require – including daily visits, food preparation and grooming – the length of the pet sitting, as well as any information that is crucial in providing the best care to your dog. 

• Do you have liability insurance?

Pet sitter associations typically require professionals to have liability insurance of bonds as a type of guarantee for pets and homeowners. A liability insurance will protect pet owners from possible damage that may happen during pet sitting. If you’re planning on leaving your pet with a pet sitter with direct access to your home, having liability insurance is a must before hiring. 

• What services do you offer?

A lot of pet sitters offer a wide range of services, depending on your pet’s needs. For pet owners who have pets with sensitive dietary requirements, some pet sitters may have adequate knowledge of preparing and cooking specific meals to ensure maximum nutrition. In some instances, pet sitters may also be adept in in-house grooming, which may come in handy for pets who require daily care. For pet owners, you need to be knowledgeable of your pet’s daily needs so you can easily plan out your pet sitter’s schedule until you come back.

• Do you have pet sitting references or previous clients I can contact?

Asking for a pet sitter’s experience may not be enough if you’re looking for a maximum guarantee. Request for a few character references and previous clients whom you can contact to verify your potential pet sitter’s skills and trustworthiness. Ask previous clients about their experience with the pet sitter, what type of animals they own, and how their daily routines run while away. 

These are only some of the questions you need to ask a pet sitter. To ensure the safety and well-being of your pet, it’s best that you go on the safe side and be as strict and meticulous as possible before hiring a pet sitter. Good luck!