As a caring pet parent, it can be difficult to leave your furry (or feathered) friends in the care of someone else, especially a stranger. Luckily, Anasazi Animal Clinic is here with some expert tips on how to find a reliable pet sitter.

Five Tips for Finding a Reliable Pet Sitter Near You

Traveling with your pet can be a fun adventure for you both, but sometimes it isn’t possible to bring your pet along with you. If you need to find a reliable pet sitter in your area, here’s how to go about it.

1. Ask Around

Talk to your friends with pets and ask for recommendations. First-hand referrals can give you detailed information that isn’t necessarily available online.

2. Check the Web

The internet can be a great resource for information, and pet sitting websites are a quick and easy way to find location-specific sitters. Just make sure you do your homework. Read reviews of the website and the pet sitter to make sure you have found a reputable caregiver.

3. Schedule an Interview

Meeting potential candidates in person before you entrust them with the care of your pet is always a good idea. Make sure you’re ready with the questions you want to ask your potential pet sitter. Here are a few examples:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • What is your level of pet experience?
  • What is your fee?
  • What services do you offer?
  • Are you comfortable administering medications?
  • Are you familiar with pet first-aid?
  • Are you bonded and insured?
  • Are you certified?

You may also want to outline a few unexpected scenarios and ask your candidate how they would handle an emergency situation.

4. Make a Playdate

Scheduling a supervised visit between your pet and their new sitter before you leave for your trip allows all three of you to get comfortable with one another. It also allows you to outline more detailed care instructions in person. You are the voice for your pet, so if something seems off during your first meeting, listen to your gut and move on to the next candidate.

5. Pay Attention to Red Flags

Before you leave for your trip, pay attention to how your sitter interacts with your dog or cat. If you don’t feel good about it, find someone else. Also, take note of any:

  • Unwillingness to communicate
  • Lack of punctuality
  • Urine, feces, or vomit in the house
  • Untouched treats

It is important that you and your pet are both happy with the pet sitter you hire. Any of the above are signs that it’s time to return to the sitter search.

What Is a Certified Pet Sitter?

A certified pet sitter has taken one or more specific pet sitting courses designed to provide them with the best possible knowledge for taking care of your pet. Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Pet Sitters both offer industry-specific certification courses, but there are many classes available both in person and online.

A certified pet sitter:

  • Has taken one or more qualifying classes
  • Has additional access to pet sitting resources and communities
  • Is on top of new pet care trends 
  • Takes their profession and the well-being of your pets seriously

In order to receive a certification, individuals must demonstrate their competence to the professional organization conducting the courses. Therefore, it is highly likely that a certified pet sitter is a reliable one.

Long-Term Pet Sitters

For long-term pet care, it may be easier to board your dog or cat with a professional. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we offer top-notch boarding services in order to provide you and your pet with comfort and peace of mind. 

To prepare your pet for a long-term stay away from home, make sure their vaccinations are up to date, bring their food and their favorite toys, and pack any medications they may need. It also helps to say goodbye quickly and calmly, to reduce your pet’s anxiety.

Boarding Your Pet in Gilbert

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, Arizona, we offer clean, comfortable boarding services. With us, your pet will have round-the-clock access to our expert veterinary services so you can rest assured that they will be well cared for in any situation that may arise.

Call us at 480-497-0505 or contact us online for more information about boarding your pet with our compassionate team.

 

Photo by Wade Austin Ellis on Unsplash