Choosing a reliable and safe pet sitter is vital to you and your pets. You need someone reliable, trustworthy, who does what you ask, and most importantly, is affectionate with the furry or feathered members of your family. A pet sitter should love your pets as much as you do and be prepared to go the "extra mile" if your pets have a medical emergency. You want someone your pets are happy with too. Look for a pet sitter that has experience caring for animals. There are many people out who absolutely adore animals. This does not make them great pet sitters.

Quality pet sitters will want to meet with you and your pets in advance. This allows you to get to know each other and go over the service(s) required from the sitter. Firstly, schedule a meeting at your home, with your potential pet sitter. This allows you, the pet sitter, and your pets to all become acquainted. This will take some time initially, but it's time well spent and will give you a chance to ask questions and be happy with your choice. The pet sitter should ask you many questions about your pets, regarding feeding, walking and veterinary information. There are also some important points that you need to cover at the first meeting:

1. Background.
In order to ascertain your prospective pet sitter's credentials, it is worth examining the following areas:
  • Training: How and where did they train
  • How long have they been a pet sitter?
  • Emergencies happen, so make sure your potential new pet sitter is certified in pet first aid.
  • What other training do they have, such as Red Cross pet first aid and CPR?
  • In what other lines of work have they been engaged?
  • Do they have any other interests
  • Ensure you have contact details (Home address, 'phone number and e-mail address).
2. Interaction with Your Pets
Watch their interaction with your pets. You want to get the sense that they love animals, yours specifically, and enjoy their job. If the dog gets a cursory pat on the head, and then all the attention is devoted to you, this may not be the right person for you. Contrastingly, scratching the dog behind the ear, and fussing over them when there is a lull in your discussions, may well be a good sign.

3. Record Keeping
A professional sitter will keep up-to-date records of each time they "sit" for your pet. They should notice any slightly unusual behaviour. Let them know what you consider important enough for an immediate phone call. You need to set the communication parameters.

4. Insurance
Strictly speaking, a pet sitter doesn't need to have any form of insurance. However, it worthwhile employing a sitter who is insured. Pet sitter's insurance is like other forms of insurance and has the general liability, bodily injury and property damage. This insurance will protect the sitter (and hence you) against claims that the general population might bring against them, in the event that the pet in their care caused harm or injury to an individual or property.

5. Contract
Professional pet sitters use service contracts that spell out the services to be performed and the fees for doing so. A good pet sitter will have established fees for their services. Beware of pet sitters who do not publish their fees. Most pet sitters have written contracts but if they don't produce any, ask them to do so. Contracts that spell out what they are going to do or not do, is important protection for both of you. Keep a copy for yourself.

6. References
Always ask for references. It is amazing how many people do not ask for references from pet sitters. If they're any good at all, the sitter will have no problem supplying you with several references.

7. Emergency Care
Look for a pet sitter that has a policy in place for emergency medical care:
  • What happens if they have a personal crisis?
  • Do they have another pet sitter who can cover for them?
  • Do they have back-up pet sitters for when they are on holiday, or are you on your own to find one?
  • Ask to meet any back-up pet sitters. After all, it's your home and you're pet.
8. Messages
If you leave a message for a pet sitter, all calls should be returned within 24 hrs. A dependable pet sitter will have set office hours for you to contact them.

Following this advice should help you find a safe, reliable pet sitter, one you're comfortable with and trust. You'll be happy you did because a good pet sitter will become like a member of your family.
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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 7 of 7 ads found )
07 August 2008
Hi there ! for some reason do you find it hard to walk your dog or dogs? then look no further,for just a small fee i will come to your house between 12 and 7 o clock and walk your dog in the nearest park ,just £5 for 45 minutes ! i will make sure your dog has . .
TW13
02 August 2008
K9 capers southampton offers a friendly, reliable and quality service for your pets including dog walking, pet feeding, pet taxi services, puppy visits and pet food sales with free delivery and 10% discount on first orders. whilst in the care of k9 capers, your dog wil. .
SO18
24 July 2008
Going away for short or long break or jut for a week end i can look after your pet dog in my home i have a secured garden i also have a gentle friendly springer spaniel we go for walks twice a day in the park for more informations do not hesitate to contact me on :0. .
W5
23 July 2008
22 July 2008
Going on holiday? who will look after you precious pets? purr-fect gives you the option of leaving your cat/pet in the comfort of your own home whenever you go away. i will visit your cat/pet to ensure that they are safe, happy, fed, cuddled and cared for. i have o. .
M45
29 June 2008
We understand that to lose a beloved animal companion is never easy and we have some very helpful articles on dealing with pet loss. we also have a super range of pet coffins, pet caskets, grave markers, pet memorials and sympathy cards. .
S42
03 June 2008
If you are off on your holidays or need someone to care for your pooch, cat, rabbit or horse, the pet butler offer a range of services to suit your needs. from cat visits to dog walking, your pet will be looked after by an experienced and insured carer and given lots o. .
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