How to Find a Dog Sitter

Posted by Clare Bristow

dog-on-sofa Using a pet sitter is a great alternative to putting your dog into the kennel when you have to take a trip away from home.

Whether you are traveling to a destination where dogs aren't welcome, your dog doesn't travel well or you travel frequently, using a dog sitter can be much less disruptive to your dog's daily routine than going to the kennel or being left with friends or relatives whilst you are away.

I say can be, because not all pet sitters are created equal.

Petsit USA has a good article on The Professional Pet Sitter, which gives advice on how to find, and what to expect from, a professional pet sitter, and how to spot a hobbyist from a professional.

If you do decide to make use of a pet sitter's services, remember to keep your side of the bargain too:

make sure your dog is well socialized and is good with strangers;
your dog is wearing a collar and identity tag;
you have left sufficient food and other supplies to cover the time you are away plus a few days extra in case you are delayed getting home;
you leave emergency contact numbers for you and your dog's vet; and
you have advised the dog sitter of all known medical conditions, any peculiar habits your dog has, and anything else you can think of that will help your dog get along with the dog sitter.

Finally, do a trial run for a couple of nights if you can - it gives you all the opportunity to see if using a dog sitter is the right choice for your dog.

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