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According to NAPPS, the National Association
of Professional Pet sitters
A Guide to Using Professional Pet Sitting Services.
- There's No Place Like Home!
- The Benefits of Using a Professional
Pet Sitter
- Using Your Pet Sitting Service
Most Effectively
- FIND A PET SITTER!
There's No Place
Like Home
More than 60% of all the households in the United
States have some kind of pet. In fact, there are
an estimated ll0 million cats and dogs alone,
not to mention all the hampsters, birds, fish,
and other pets. According to the American Humane
Society, these pets are happiest when they're
at home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds
and smells.
In the past, however, most pet owners had few
choices concerning care for their animals when
they were away from home. They could turn to friends,
neighbors or professional boarders -- all of which
are possible solutions, but not ideal for every
pet. Many have found that a new alternative presents
the best choice of all -- a professional pet care
giver who comes into the home to care for the
pet while the owner is away. That is indeed why
in-home pet-care is one of the fastest growing
industries in the country today.
According to the experts, from the pet's perspective,
the familiar environment, diet and exercise routine,
along with the personal attention provided by
a professional pet care-giver are the perfect
answers. Eliminating the trauma of being transported
and minimizing exposure to illnesses of other
animals are certainly additional advantages to
the owner and pet alike.
The in-home pet-care solution is a relief to
most owners who no longer have to impose on family,
friends or neighbors or have the inconvenience
of transporting the pet. There are also extra
services offered, such as crime-deterrent measures,
watering plants, bringing in the mail, etc.
The incredible growth of the in-home pet-care
industry over the past few years is evidence of
its effectiveness in well satisfied owners with
well cared for pets.
Copyright© 1995 by the National Association
of Professional Pet Sitters
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The Benefits
of Using a Professional Pet Sitter
There are numerous benefits of using a professional
pet care-giver; once you have experienced them,
you will become an avid user. Each day when you
are away, the professional will visit your home
to feed, care for and play with your pet. The
professional will have a responsibility for both
your pet and your home, so you should give the
selection of your pet sitter serious consideration.
When you hire a professional pet sitter, make
sure you take the time for an interview and have
all your questions ready. The services offered
and fees charged can vary widely. You should find
out whether the pet sitter is bonded, has commercial
liability insurance coverage, and is willing to
provide references. Ask for documented proof of
these and take the time to check references. Also,
it will be important to see how the professional
interacts with your pet. And note what information
the care-giver requires from you before taking
on an assignment.
Advantages for the Pet
The pet remains in his or her safe, secure environment,
where all the sights, smells, and sounds are familiar.
The pet follows his or her customary diet and
exercise routine and medical treatments. The pet
is not exposed to illnesses or parasites from
other animals. The pet is not traumatized by travel
in a car or unfamiliar environment. The pet receives
love and personal attention while the owner is
away.
Benefits for the Pet Owner
The pet owner is not inconvenienced or upset by
having to transport the pet. The pet owner does
not have to impose on a friend, family member
or neighbor (who sometimes forgets). The pet owner's
home is made more secure by crime deterrent measures
provided by most professional pet care-givers.
The owner is secure in the knowledge that while
he or she is away the pet is in capable and caring
hands. The pet owner can utilize other special
services provided by most professional pet-sitters.
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Using Your Pet
Sitting Service Most Effectively
Once you have made the decision to enlist the
services of a pet sitter, you will find you have
discovered a new friend for your pet and someone
who will be of great help to you. To ensure a
successful relationship with your pet sitter,
we suggest you follow these simple guidelines:
Give Us Your Pet's History
and Habits
In order to schedule the visits, your sitter will
want to know the important routines in your pet's
day -- eating, sleeping, walking or playing. Your
sitter will want to know about all the major and
minor health problems your pet may have (honesty
is important here) and detailed information on
any medication as well as your desires in case
of emergency. Tell your sitter where favorite
toys are kept or, if your dog is a "chewer",
where the chew toys are. (Also guard against personal
items being chewed while you are away.) Tell your
sitter where your pet's favorite hiding places
are. This will prevent panic by the sitter looking
for your pet. Your pet sitter needs to know of
any unusual habits your pet may have (such as
changes in bowel movements, eating habits, fears,
etc.) Provide some written verification of up
to date vaccinations for your pet (tags on collars
are good). Provide identification tags on all
pets, including cats.
Plan Ahead
Call to make your pet sitting reservations as
early as possible -- especially for holiday times.
If you don't have an extra key to your house,
you will need to have one or two made for your
sitter before you go away (make sure you try it
out first). Buy extra food, litter and supplies
for when you will be away and in the event you
may stay away longer than you had anticipated.
If your dog is not used to walking on a leash,
you should practice with him before leaving. Be
sure your dog's collar fits properly for walking
and has an identification tag.
Prepare Your Home Before
You Leave
Clean out food from your refrigerator that may
spoil when you are gone and don't leave dirty
dishes in the sink that could attract pests and
interfere with the sitter's work. Leave some piece
of clothing that you have recently worn near where
your pet sleeps to "remind" him or her
of you. Leave your vet's phone number in case
of emergency. Move valuables away from windows.
Leave the right sized food and water bowls out
for your pet's use and clean the bowls out before
you leave. Put away bikes, outdoor toys and lawn
furniture as they can be easily stolen. Leave
everything needed for the care of your pet in
one general area so the sitter doesn't have to
search for leashes, food cans, and especially
medicine. If the sitter will be visiting in the
evenings, provide a timer light in the house so
the sitter won't have to walk into a dark house.
It will be friendlier for your pet as well. Mow
your grass and arrange for a neighbor to shovel
snow. If you live in an area that has extreme
winter weather, arrange for a neighbor to have
a key to your home in case of emergency and in
the event that the sitter is unable to make a
visit. Be sure the sitter has the name and number
of your neighbor. Inform neighbors who may be
looking out for your property that a pet sitter
will be making visits to your home.
Communication is Important
Get the telephone number of the place(s) where
you will be staying while away so that you can
leave it with your pet sitter for emergencies.
If you find you will be returning earlier or later
than expected, call to inform your pet sitter
as soon as you know. Remember to check the time
difference if you call the sitter with some new
instructions after you leave. Please be considerate
of those who have offices in their homes. Call
during office hours unless it's an emergency.
Let the sitter know if there are any rooms that
are "off limits" for pets and sitters.
If other people might also be checking on your
pet or house, let them and the sitter know who
is responsible for what and when they may be in
the house (and let them exchange telephone numbers).
Leave a list of numbers that may be helpful to
a sitter in any emergency: vet, electrician, plumber,
maid service, yard or pool maintenance, etc. Tell
your sitter where you keep items like the vacuum
cleaner, mop, broom, dustpan, trash bags, etc.
in case of spills. Make sure the sitter knows
the location of your fuse box or circuit breaker
and where to find new fuses.
Other Services May Be
Available
If plants are to be watered, your sitter will
want to know where your plants are located and
how often and how much they should be watered.
Lights can be turned on in the evening and off
in the morning and curtains can be opened and
closed. Newspapers and mail can be picked up.
Tell your sitter where you would like them to
be placed.
Safety Is Critical
Secure any outside gates to a dog lot or swimming
pool. Make sure all the doors and windows are
locked. Unplug any appliances that won't be used
to prevent damage during electrical storms or
injury to pets. Consider leaving a radio on while
you're away. It could be a crime deterrent and
may also keep your pet company. Don't leave anything
out that could be harmful to your pet -- Christmas
tree tinsel and pine needles, strings or ribbon
or anything that could accidentally be swallowed.
Never leave your pet in a garage -- there are
too many hazardous substances found there such
as fertilizers, antifreeze and pesticides. If
you must, be sure to pet-proof the area. Make
sure your clothes dryer is closed and close all
back doors. Do not hide keys outside for the sitter
or other people who may be entering your home.
Be sure that all pets are inside the house that
are supposed to be. If the cat(s) escape before
you leave, be sure to inform the sitter so he
or she knows to look for the animal outside and
does not waste time hunting inside.
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