How to Find the Perfect Dog Walker or Pet Sitter for Your Pooch
- Last updated on February 1, 2023
- By: Caroline Stowe
We all want what’s best for our furry friends, no matter the situation. Whether you’re looking for a pet sitter while you take a business trip or need someone to take your pup on regular walks, it’s important to make sure you find someone who will provide the best care and attention for your pup.
Finding the right person for your furry family member can be tricky. After all, you’re entrusting someone with the well-being of your pet and taking comfort in knowing that he or she will be taken care of during your time away from home.
To make sure you select the best person for the job, consider the following information to help you make an informed decision.
What to look for when selecting the best dog walker or dog sitter ?
1. Credentials: Look for a walker or sitter who is certified by an organization such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or the Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS). These certifications indicate that the individual has completed an intensive course on pet safety, proper animal handling and care, as well as first aid and CPR.
2. Experience: Ask potential candidates how long they have been in the business and what types of experience they have dealing with animals. It’s important to find out if the individual has prior experience walking or caring for dogs, as well as any additional training that has been completed.
3. References: Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past and current clients. This can help you gauge the level of service and care provided by the dog walker or pet sitter, and it will also provide you with an opportunity to get a better feel for their personality.
4. Insurance Coverage: Before making a decision, ask potential candidates if they carry adequate insurance coverage in the event that something should happen while they are with your pet. This can provide peace of mind and assurance that any accidents or incidents will be covered.
5. Communication: You’ll want to make sure you have an open line of communication between you and the dog walker or pet sitter. This is important to find out how your pooch is doing and make sure that he or she is being taken care of properly.
Investing your time to assess potential candidates diligently is the key to finding an ideal pet sitter or dog walker for your beloved pup. Remember, picking the right caregiver for your four-legged family member is critical to guarantee their well-being and provide them with first-rate care.
Factors to take into consideration
1. Cost: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the pet sitter or dog walker into your budget. While you should never skimp on care for your pup, it’s important to make sure that you are comfortable with the fees being charged by the individual.
2. Flexibility: Ask potential candidates about their availability and whether they are able to accommodate last-minute requests or changes in schedule.
3. Compatibility with Your Pooch: Meeting the potential dog walker or pet sitter with your pup is an excellent way to get a better feel for how compatible your pooch will be with them. Seeing how the two interact will help you determine if the person is the right fit for your pup.
4. Professionalism: Professionalism is a must and should be taken into account when making your selection. Make sure the pet sitter or dog walker takes their job seriously, follows instructions, and looks out for the safety of your pup.
5. Rapport: It is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Make sure that the individual has a warm, caring demeanor and loves animals.
6. Location: Consider whether the dog walker or pet sitter is located near to your home and able to provide services in a timely manner.
7. Technology: With technology playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, you may want to ask potential candidates about the use of modern tools such as GPS trackers, smartphone apps and webcams. These can provide added peace of mind and give you access to real-time updates on your pup’s location and activities.
8. Additional Services: Ask about any additional services the dog walker or pet sitter may offer such as basic grooming, playtime and socialization with other animals.
Tips for hiring the right dog walker or dog sitter
1. Do your research: Ask your friends and family who they use and if they would recommend them. Read online reviews of local pet care services. When researching online, be sure to check out their website and social media pages so that you know what kind of service they offer.
2. Have an interview: Don’t just rely on email communication when doing your research—take some time to call the candidate so that you can get a better sense of their personality before making a decision. Ask questions about their experience, availability, cost, services offered and any other information that you feel is important. This will help you get a better feel for the individual and if they are a good fit for your pet.
3. Meet in person: It is always recommended to meet the potential candidate in person before making any commitments. This will allow you to observe their interaction with your pup firsthand and assess how comfortable your pet is with them. This is a great way to make sure that you’ve chosen the right person for the job.
4. Insurance: Before you hire a pet sitter or dog walker, ensure that they have the proper insurance coverage in case an injury is caused by negligence while your pup is under their care. In some states, this may not be mandatory; however, it’s essential to feel at ease knowing your pet is taken care of and safe when you can’t be there yourself.
5. Reference check: Don’t be shy to ask for references from past and current clients and contact them before making any decisions. This can help you get a better understanding of the pet sitter or dog walker’s services and determine the level of experience, reliability and performance. It also provides an opportunity for you to gain insight into their personality.
6. Get a written agreement: Once you have found someone suitable, it is important to obtain a detailed service agreement that outlines their commitment, availability and price (eg. number of walks per day, the hours and rates, etc.)
Put everything in writing so there are no misunderstandings down the line. Carefully review the contract before signing it and make sure that you are clear on all terms and conditions. This will ensure that you’re both on the same page and can help to avoid any disputes in the future.
7. Discuss your pet’s needs: Are there special instructions related to food or medication? Does your pup need extra exercise? Provide the pet sitter or dog walker with detailed instructions on how to care for him or her. Make sure all details are discussed prior to signing up for services so that everyone is on the same page about expectations and responsibilities.
8. Request for a trial run: Ask the potential dog walker or pet sitter to take your pup for a trial run before committing to a long-term agreement. This will give you an opportunity to gauge their level of skill and commitment and you can also assess how comfortable both parties feel with each other before signing any contracts.
9. Emergency plan: Ask about their emergency plan. Make sure that whoever is hired knows what steps need to be taken during an emergency situation (call 911 first?) and provide the individual with your contact information, as well as emergency contacts in case something unexpected happens.
10. Follow up: Once you have decided on a pet sitter or dog walker, consider scheduling a follow-up meeting to go over any changes in routine and make sure that your pup is adapting well to their care.
Learn more by clicking the video link below.
How to make it work on a long-term basis
1. Communication: Regular communication between you and the pet sitter or dog walker is important to ensure that everyone is on the same page about expectations, responsibilities and any changes in routine.
2. Establish open communication: Ensure that both of you have the opportunity to express any worries or apprehensions. Discuss what specific care your pup needs while specifying how many updates you’d like throughout their stay with the pet sitter, such as meal times, bathroom breaks and playtime preferences etc.
Setting out clear expectations in advance will ensure that your pup receives optimal attention and love during the time spent with them! Furthermore, if your pup has any particular medical needs or concerns, it is essential that you make sure their caregivers are informed and aware of these issues so they can provide appropriate care.
3. Schedule regular check-ins: If you are going to be away for extended periods of time, set up a schedule where you can have regular check-ins with them via phone or video call to ensure that everything is going well and your pup is healthy and safe.
4. Follow-up: Setting up regular meetings with the pet sitter or dog walker gives you an opportunity to hear firsthand how your pup is doing and to ask any questions you may have. This also provides a chance to discuss any changes in routine that may be necessary.
5. Establish boundaries: Make sure that you set clear boundaries from the start and let your pet sitter or dog walker know what is and isn’t acceptable.
6. Offer incentives: Offering pet sitters and dog walkers incentives for providing excellent service is a great way to ensure that your pup receives quality care.
7. Remain flexible: Life happens and sometimes plans change, so make sure that you remain flexible in the event that something unexpected arises.
8. Provide feedback: Make sure that you provide your pet sitter or dog walker with constructive feedback regarding their services. This will ensure that they know what they are doing right and where they can improve, ultimately providing your pup with the best possible care.
9. Show appreciation: After all, pet sitters and dog walkers do so much more than just provide basic care – they bond with your pup and become their friend while you are away. So, don’t forget to show your appreciation for all their hard work by leaving them a nice review or sending them a thoughtful thank-you gift.
10. Revisit: Make sure that you revisit your agreement with the pet sitter or dog walker every 6-12 months to ensure that both of you are happy and comfortable with the arrangement. This is also a great opportunity to touch base on any changes in routine, address any concerns and set new goals.
Questions You Should Ask Prospective Dog Walkers or Pet Sitters
Following is a list of questions that you should always ask a potential dog walker or pet sitter.
- What experience do you have with animals?
- How often are you available to walk my dog or care for my pet?
- Do you carry liability insurance and/or other forms of coverage in case something unexpected happens while caring for my animal(s)?
- Do you provide updates during the course of your visit? If so, how often and in what format (e.g., text message, email, etc.)?
- Are there any additional fees associated with services provided that I should know about in advance (e.g., transportation costs if needed)?
- Is there an emergency plan in place should something happen while away from home? If so, can I get a copy of it upfront as well as be kept updated on changes made to it over time?
- What methods do you use when dealing with behavioral issues/training needs that may arise during your visits/walks with my pup?
- Can we discuss these expectations together first before committing to anything further?
- Can you provide references from past clients so I can verify your experience level and reliability?
By taking the time to ask these important questions and researching thoroughly, you can be sure to find someone trustworthy and reliable that will keep your pet happy and healthy while you’re away!
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right pet sitter or dog walker for your beloved pup can be a daunting task. Taking the above factors into consideration and following the tips mentioned will help you make an informed decision in finding the right pet sitter or dog walker for your pup. You can have peace of mind knowing that your four-legged family member is in excellent hands and that they are safe, loved and well taken care of!
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Author:
Caroline Stowe
- Updated on February 1, 2023
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t intend to replace professional veterinary advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for veterinary services, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this website, including information and opinions expressed herein, are intended for general informational purposes only. In case you have concerns or questions regarding your dog’s health and diet requirements, please consult your veterinarian before doing anything that might affect it.
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