Pet Sitting

In the event that you are unable to care for your pet, whether it is a medical emergency or simply a vacation getaway that does not include your beloved friend- call a pet sitter! The advantages to utilizing the services of a pet sitter are numerous and this option minimizes the stress put on your pets. The benefits speak louder than any hesitation you may have to entrust a stranger with your furry, scaly, or feathered friends, but it is imperative that you hire a PROFESSIONAL pet sitter. Joe Blow down the street is not the type of “pet sitter” we recommend. Professional sitters are licensed and insured and have completed a series of training sessions, such as animal husbandry and animal/pet first aid classes. To seek a professional out, there are many existing agencies and organizations that can match you to a pet sitter in your area.

Pet sitting can alleviate your pets’ anxiety when you are away, whether it is for a weekend rendezvous or for several weeks due to hospitalization. Whatever the length of time or reason, it allows your pet(s) to maintain their regular routine in the comfort of your home so they do not have to go through the stress of adapting to a new environment. Pet sitting is also a less risky option than boarding, as kennel-keeping can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and immune system. Additional vaccinations are also recommended for boarding, such as Bordetella which deters kennel cough. Your pet can also be exposed to various parasites and illnesses due to the close quarters within boarding facilities- and there are never any guarantees with vaccinations! It is unarguably safer to have your pet stay at home for the duration of your absence. Also, thanks to pet sitters, you will never have to inconvenience a neighbor, friend, or family member by asking them to look after your much-adored pet.

The services requested of pet sitters can range from dog walking to vacation care, where a sitter may stop over the client’s residence once a day for a period of time to care for the animal. The exact length of the visit is determined by the pet owner, as well as the frequency. Some pet sitters offer live-in care, but will bill the owner accordingly. Some sitters will even combine vacation pet care with house sitting, offering a packaged service. Insurance is necessary for all pet sitters due to the nature of their work. Most professional sitters are insured through nationwide pet insurance providers which offer coverage for care, control, and custody of their client’s pets, most commonly from $10,000 to $200,000. Other claims, such as fire damage, can also be included in the insurance plan. Pet transport may also be covered under pet sitter insurance plans, which would include vet visits and trips to the dog park.