Having a pet doesn’t have to stop you from going out of town for business or leisure. However, most pet owners are hesitant to take vacations because they need to leave their animals in the care of someone else.
The good news is that expert pet sitters can relieve this burden by providing professional care while you’re gone, from medication administration to walks and treats.
It’s important to understand the dos and don’ts for pet sitters and owners to make this a good experience for all parties.
Here’s what you can expect from your northern Virginia pet sitter, as well as what will be helpful for them before you leave.
For Pet Owners
There are a few things pet owners can do (or avoid) to help their sitters succeed while taking care of their pets. These include:
- Do: Leave emergency contact information. A sitter must know how to contact the pet’s owner in case of an emergency, so be sure to leave multiple forms of contact in a highly visible place, such as the kitchen table. Alongside this information, include contact details for the veterinarian of your choice should the sitter need to consult a professional.
- Do: Provide portioned items or instructions. It’s helpful to provide the sitter with everything they need for their overnight visit, including pre-portioned food and treats. This way, your pet will continue to get the same care as always, and your sitter won’t need to guess or bother you with how much to feed. If your pet takes medication, prepare the dosage ahead of time.
Don’t: Assume the sitter has the answer. A good overnight pet sitter will get to know your pets and their routine, but don’t assume they know everything you do about your animal’s quirks and habits. If your pet is prone to certain behaviors, such as excessive licking when you’re gone, let your sitter know ahead of time.- Don’t: Leave out vulnerable items. Your pet sitter may not know which items in your home your animal is allowed to engage with. Is this stuffed animal a toy for your pet, or does it belong to a child? It’s best to remove any items you don’t want your pet getting into before the sitter arrives for the best results.
For Pet Sitters
Professional pet sitters are equipped with knowledge and experience to take care of your furry friends while you’re gone. Here’s what you can expect from sitters who follow good practices during their visits.
- Do: Meet the animal first. Most overnight sitters will want to meet your pet before you leave on your trip. This way, they can be sure they understand your animal and have established some rapport, so your furry friend will trust them when they return. This is also a great opportunity for them to watch your pet in action so they can become familiar with their behaviors and the layout of your home.
- Do: Provide updates to the owner. Good pet sitters won’t leave you in the dark! They can provide updates on a schedule or when asked by the owner, which means keeping contact availability open throughout their stay. Some might only ask questions, while others can provide pictures to show that your animals are doing well and everyone is safe.
- Do: Keep notes. The best pet sitters are invested in your animal’s well-being, so they’ll take notes if necessary during your trip. When you return, they can then report on behaviors they noticed that you may want to follow up on.
Don’t: Take what isn’t yours. While a pet sitter is free to come into your home during an overnight stay, they should not feel entitled to your space unless you give them permission. This means that sitters shouldn’t be eating your food or using your personal items (such as computers).- Don’t: Leave things untidy. High-quality pet sitters strive to leave the space better than they found it. This includes cleaning litter boxes and potentially even taking out the trash or other small tasks before they leave. They may also clean up your pet with a bath or a brushing before you come home so your furry friend is ready to meet you in style.
Get the Best from Overnight Pet Sitting with the Pros
Trusting someone else with your beloved pet can seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! The overnight pet sitters at Paw Pals provide everything from walks and playtime to mail collection when you trust us with your furry friends during your trip.
Our crew receives training in animal CPR and medication administration, so your pet is in good hands while you’re gone. Contact Paw Pals to meet a sitter before it’s time to leave!
