What you need to know when choosing a pet sitter

November 10, 10:01 AMColumbus Dogs ExaminerLisa Price

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Dog Sitter
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A pet sitter should be more than just a provider of food, water, and shelter to your loving pet.  A pet sitter should nearly be a stand-in or foster parent when your dog is in the care of your pet sitter.  Play time, exercise, and lots of loving should be included in the service offered by your pet sitter.

There are three types of pet sitting services: 

• In-home
• At the pet sitter's home.
• At a pet sitting facility, or pet day care

In-home pet sitting

In-home pet sitting is where the pet sitter supervises your pet inside the pet's own home, surrounded by his things, and all the comforts that go along with being in a familiar environment.  This can be a great comfort to your pet, as he has not been removed from his home.  Often times, in-home pet sitters will offer other services, such as plant watering and bringing in the mail.  Be sure to ask about these extras.

At the pet sitter's residence

Some pet sitters will sit with your pet (and the pets of others) at their own home.  This will require you to drop off and pick up your dog before and after the service time.  Some dogs are fine with this idea, as they love to go for rides and visits.  Others are not so happy with this idea, as they do not like to be removed from familiar surroundings. 

It is important to find out how many other pets the sitter will also be supervising at the same time your pet will be there.  If the pet sitter is overrun with animals and responsibility, the sitter may not be able to be as attentive as you would like and may risk the safety of the animals in his charge.

Pet day care facility

Pet day care facilities are popping up all over the country.  They range from simple kennel and play area facilities, to luxurious hotels for dogs.  A pet day care facility should be licensed and have an acceptable ratio of pet care providers to pets. 

Important things to know and ask when choosing a pet sitter

• There are no qualifications for becoming a pet sitter.  Anyone can hang a shingle and say that they are pet sitters.
   
• A diligent and serious pet sitter, however, is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.  This Association requires that its members complete study courses and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
   
• If you are choosing an in-home sitter, arrange for a meeting at your home with the sitter, your pet, and yourself.  Gauge the way the sitter interacts with your pet.  You'll be able to tell if the sitter will be attentive and loving.  And, you will be able to gauge the way your dog reacts to the sitter.
   
• If you are choosing a pet sitter that sits in their home, arrange a visit to the pet sitters home so that you can see exactly where your dog will be staying during the hours he is away from you.  Pay attention to potential hazards (chemicals, doors that don't shut correctly, broken fencing).  Ask the pet sitter about his emergency plan in case a fire or other threat emerges while your pet is in his care.
   
• In all cases, whether your sitter provides in-home, his home, or day care services, determine what commercial liability insurance the sitter has and make sure he is bonded to protect against theft. 
   
• Obtain a service contract so that all parties are clear on the responsibilities of each member in the relationship.
   
• Make sure you animal is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines, especially if the pet sitter is supervising other pets.
   
• Attempt to get references of the sitter's existing clients.
   
• If your pet requires medication, make sure the sitter is capable of administering the medication.  Make sure to write all medication requirements and instructions down on paper.  Don't leave the sitter guessing.
   
• Make sure your pet has all necessary ID tags on his collar at all times.
   
• Leave clear and accurate contact numbers for yourself and at least one other person in case of emergency with the pet sitter.

Find a local pet sitter in the Columbus area

Columbus Dog Connection has a list of pet day care facilities and pet sitting services.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters will provide the names of their Member sitters in your area.

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