If you are looking for someone to come to your home to care for your pet while you are away, here is some advice to help you choose a pet sitter.
There are so many options as the market becomes ever more saturated with pop-up pet care businesses, so there are some important things to consider to help you make the right choice for your pet:
What experience, qualifications, and skills does the pet sitter have?
If a pet sitter has been running their business successfully for a number of years without any obvious problems, this is a positive sign. Pet lovers tend to make their feelings known about subpar pet care, so make sure you do some research online.
Look for relevant qualifications such as animal first aid certificates, animal behaviour and specific pet sitting qualifications regulated by official bodies such as Ofqual. This type of commitment indicates that the pet sitter takes the care of your animal seriously.
Has the pet sitter got great reviews?
In addition to experience and qualifications, you need to pay attention to reviews online. Seek them out on Google or social media platforms. Look at how their audience reacts to them and the comments made.
Can the pet sitter meet your pet’s behavioural and medical needs?
Your pets will have their own unique temperament. Some will need a more experienced sitter, so make sure you take this into account and always be honest with your pet sitter about any additional needs or complexities.
If your pet needs medication or extra care, ask your potential sitter if they have experience with this or feel confident enough to fulfil this aspect of the sit. It may be wise to show your pet sitter how to administer any medication if they have not done it before.
Is the pet sitter DBS checked?
A DBS is a Government check that outlines any instances of criminal behaviour, warnings or convictions. You are allowing someone you don’t know to have the keys to your home.
A DBS check is only as up-to-date as the day it was processed; however, it is an indication of someone’s history, and it is better to have seen one. You should ask to see this document, and don’t forget to check the date.
Does the pet sitter provide updates?
A picture (or video) paints a thousand words.
From my experience, sending little updates can be a lifeline for worried pet owners, especially if they are away for a few days or weeks. Ask any potential pet sitters if they are happy to communicate with you in a way that adds that extra bit of reassurance.
Does the pet sitter meet and greet your pet before confirming a booking?
This is essential. You need to know how your potential pet sitter interacts with your pet and have the chance to ask any questions. Never ignore your gut feeling. If something or someone does not feel right, find someone who does.
Check that the pet sitter has paperwork for you to sign; find someone who runs their business professionally. Contracts are there to protect you, your pet and the pet sitter.
Is the pet sitter insured?
Check that your potential pet sitter is insured and what they are insured for. Does the policy cover accidents, injury and loss of keys? The insurance should cover public liability at a bare minimum.
Is the pet sitter local and available?
Try to find someone local to keep the travel cost down, as many pet sitters will have to charge for travel if you are outside their designated area.
Make sure you book someone as far in advance as possible. Good pet sitters are booked up months in advance – this is a very positive sign.
What is included in the pet sit?
It is best to ask what is included in the cost of a pet sit. There is a great deal of difference depending upon the sitter. Here are some of the things that could be included:
- Cleaning out litter tray
- Feeding
- Changing water
- Playing with your pet
- Picking up the mail
- Opening/closing curtains
- Switching the lights on/off
- Watering plants
Don’t assume a pet sit includes any of the above. If you have a dog and want someone to walk your dog, then check whether this is within the scope of what the pet sitter offers.
How much is a pet sit?
This varies depending upon the area, the skills and experience of the sitter and the demand for their services. Services tend to start from £10 for half an hour and can go up to £35.
Cheap is not always better, and if it is cheap, ensure you have considered all the points within this article and are fully satisfied that your pet will be cared for to the highest standards.
Are you looking for a pet sitter in South Wales?
Are you looking for a pet sitter in or around Rogerstone, Bassaleg, Rhiwderin, Alt yr ryn, Highcross, Mon bank Gaer, Ridgeway, Bettws, Newport and the surrounding areas? Get in touch if you would like to discuss your pet’s needs and my availability.
