Pet owners who love their pets hate leaving them alone. Most pet owners are happiest with their pets beside them on vacations, at work, at play, or just running errands around town. In reality, however, pet owners know that their pets cannot accompany them everywhere they go.
If you are a pet owner and need to be gone longer than the pet can safely be left alone, you have a choice: 1) You can take your pet to a boarding facility (which can be extremely traumatic to your pet and even dangerous to the wellbeing of some animals); or 2) you can enlist the help of a pet sitter—that is, a person (often a friend or family member) who can come to your home and care for your pet.
What Is Pet Sitting?
Pet sitting for pets is similar to babysitting for children. A pet sitter is a trusted person who comes to your home and cares for your pet while you are gone. In the view of most pet owners, having a pet sitter come to their home is far better than taking the pet to a boarding facility. Under the care of a pet sitter, your pet is able to remain in the comfort of its own home and follow its daily routine. Your pet will experience less stress about your absence than it would if left in a strange environment.
If you have a reliable friend or family member available to care for your pet, you can save yourself some expense. But do not rule out the services of a professional pet sitter. A pro may be less stressful for you and for your pet. A professional pet sitter will adhere to the schedule and provide the services that your pet needs. Additionally, most pros are animal lovers who have received training on how to administer medications to pets, recognize a medical emergency, provide first aid to your pet, and provide a range of other services based on your pet’s needs.
What It Involves
Pet sitting involves caring for a pet in its own home while the owner is away. Pet sitting involves taking on the full responsibility of the health and well-being of your pet. A good professional pet sitter is usually licensed, bonded, and insured, and adheres to the standards of pet care in the pet sitting industry. They have kept abreast of industry standards and practices regarding animal care methods, emergency first aid techniques, and other important elements that make a pet sitter a professional.
At a minimum, you can expect a professional pet sitter to provide the following services:
Feeding and Changing Water
The most basic service a pet sitter will provide is regular feeding and watering. To minimize the stress on your pet, have the pet sitter feed your pet at the same time you do when you are home. Your pet may already be stressed that you are gone, and getting its meals at the usual time each day is comforting.
Fresh water with each feeding is important. A professional pet sitter knows the importance of fresh water and clean food dishes to your pet’s health.
Exercise and Playtime for Your Pet
Your pet may be content sleeping most of the day and night while you are gone. Even the biggest couch potato benefits from a little exercise. A pet sitter can walk and play with your dog, play with your cat, and give pets of any kind some cuddle time. Brushing or combing their coats keeps them shiny, and most animals find gentle grooming reassuring.
Administering Medication If Needed
If your pet needs medications administered, a professional pet sitter is the way to go. Most have been trained to give medications to even the most reluctant pet. With a professional pet sitter, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet is not skipping needed medications in your absence.
Another benefit to a professional pet sitter is their ability to recognize and respond to a medical emergency involving your pet. If you have a pet whose health is compromised, a professional pet sitter often is the most responsible choice.
Cleaning Up Pet Messes
Accidents happen. A professional pet sitter will clean up food and water spills, knocked-over knick-knacks, bathroom messes, shredded toys, and just about anything that your pet may have gotten into while unattended. You can come home to the same tidy, orderly place that you left.
Other Individual Needs
Professional pet sitters can provide a variety of other services to give you peace of mind while you are away from home. Some common services that pet sitters will do include bringing in your mail, turning lights on/off, watering plants, and so on. Whatever service you need, you can discuss it with your pet sitter and make appropriate arrangements.
Work With The Professional Pet Sitters At Paw Pals
The pet sitters at Paw Pals can take care of any type of pet when you cannot. Their compassionate and reliable professionals are available to help you whenever you need them. Contact them for more information about their services.
