How to choose a pet sitter: Tips from Beggin' for a Walk's Caroline Cannici

June 23, 3:05 PMTampa Pet Services ExaminerLaura Kepner

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Tampa Pet Services Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Caroline Cannici at Safety Harbor's Third Friday event

After asking Caroline Cannici why she opened her own dog walking and pet sitting business, her already cheerful face brightened with a wide smile.

My dogs,” she said. “In November I purchased a short hair Chihuahua. I had to come home from work to visit her in the mornings and afternoons. I had a need and figured other people were in the same situation.”

At the beginning of 2009, Caroline started Beggin’ For a Walk with several goals in mind. She became insured and bonded, received her First Aid/CPR certification and she launched a website in May.

“Everything was ready by the summer vacation season,” she said.

Beggin’ for a Walk’s services range from daily walks or runs, baths, pet supply pick up, pet taxi (vet, groomer, etc.) and mid-day potty breaks to pet sitting. Caroline also offers pet-friendly hotel visits so Bay Area tourists can take advantage of area attractions while leaving their pets for extended times.

Caroline doesn’t mind offering advice on how pet owners can feel confident that the person they hire is qualified. Here are her six tips to consider before hiring a pet sitter or walker:

• Make sure the person is insured and bonded. They should carry an insurance card for a one-year policy. Check to see that the dates are current.
• They should know pet First Aid and CPR.
• In Florida, people should ask their dog walker if they carry water on walks.
• When a sitter visits your home, be prepared to explain your routine. Show them your dog’s walk area and where the pet food is stored.
• It’s a plus if your dog sitter is a member of a professional pet sitting organization like NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or PSI (Pet Sitters International).
• It’s also a plus when your pet sitter plans an in-home consultation. Both the sitter and the dog should be comfortable with each other. If you or your dogs are uncomfortable, it is always okay to tell the sitter that you are not a match. A good pet sitter should recommend someone else who works better with specific (or aggressive) dogs.

Beggin’ For a Walk serves all of Pinellas County. Look for their booth at Safety Harbor’s Third Friday Music Series from now until December. They are also scheduled to participate in the Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade.

For more information on Beggin’ for a Walk’s services, visit their website at www.begginforawalk.com or call Caroline at (727)735-2450.
 

For more info: e-mail Caroline at info@begginforawalk.com. To contact Laura, e-mail leksink@gmail.com