Petsitting Review

According to the American Pet Association, over 44 million people own dogs and almost 77 million people have cats in the United States. These statistics not only show how integral pets are within the family unit, but essentially how important it is to choose the right professionals to care for them (i.e. veterinarians, groomers, and petsitters). 

I am a petsitter. I have worked in animal care since I was 16, and have always had a passion for our furry friends. I am the office manager and lead technician at the clinic which I've commited to for almost five years now. I initially began petsitting as a means of supplementary income for my travels as well as saving up for my new car. Now that I have attained both, I continue to petsit to be closer to my workplace and to invest in life's big milestones (wedding and family).

This review will not only showcase the petsitter's view, but also help others gain insight as to what any pet owner should look for when choosing a sitter. Here's what I establish when I begin a new client petsitting:

1. Initial consultation: Most petsitters will have a one-on-one meeting with you and your pet at your residence. Because I only do housesitting (meaning I stay at the house when I'm not at work), it's crucial for me to gain the trust and confidence from the owner. This is when I also gather information regarding Fluffy's feeding schedule, mail/newspaper pickup, trash days, medications, walk durations/paths, emergency contact numbers, vet info, and locations of food, leashes, treats, and poopy bags. I explain to them my rate, work schedule, educational/work credentials, lifestyle/habits, and contact information so there is no ambiguity of price and expectation. 

2. Bonding time with pet: Once the petsitting begins, it's all about Fido. A good petsitter should make the dog or cat feel like the owners have never left them. Of course, with workdays averaging 8-10 hours, it takes a little work for some who may demonstrate separation anxiety (barking/meowing excessively, marking/messing in the house, chewing up furniture) but that is few and far between. When I am not at work, I am loving the pet playing with them, chasing toys, training with treats, and talking to them. 

3. Courtesy call to owner: Unless the client specifies otherwise, it's great follow-through to touch bases with the client the night after to ensure that everything is in working order. Even if it's brief, I let them know that "Patch slept through the night like a baby, ate all his food, and got two milk bones this morning." I always reiterate that they should feel free to call me whenever they want, as often as they want. 

4. Orchid letter: This is a great way to tie up any loose ends. I let the client know how much I appreciate their trust and hospitality. Next, I encapsulate the entire stay with pet quirks and loving moments. I also mention when Pooch got his last meal/meds/walk, and finally declare the total payment including what days I'd be free to meet up.

Why petsitting?

There are three options when considering a caretaker: family/friends, boarding kennels, and petsitting. Family and friends are a great option (and probably the most economic) if you know folks who are comfortable handling and caring for the animals. Boarding facilities are great, too depending on the type of kenneling. Communal boarding (pets free roaming together) offer socialization and mental stimulation, but also expose the pet to possible dangers (communicable diseases and injury). Boarding cages are great for the pets who prefer solitary living but doesn't get much stimulation in a steel cage. I prefer petsitting because I see the difference in the pet's emotional, physical, and mental stability. Some pets develop a phobia of the veterinary clinic simply because it's the same place where they were boarded for a month's time. I have a great relationship with all of my petsitting clients, but moreso with the animals. They remember you. They remember the love and attention more than the absence of the owner. And that's the trademark of a good sitter.

How do I choose a good petsitter? 

Now speaking from the other side of the coin, how do you know what to look for when seeking a good petsitter? Here are my tips:

*Research their credentials- It helps that I give all my clients my business card with my title and contact numbers readily available. Don't be afraid to ask if they have professional animal experience. As a tech, I not only adore animals, but I can detect possible problems that the average animal hugger may not be aware of such as signs of stroke, hypoglycemia, separation anxiety, and hot spots. It's beneficial if the sitter has some animal knowledge in these areas.

*Know the going rate- Call a few vet clinics in your area and find out the rate for boarding a pet of your size. The petsitter's rate should fall slightly above that rate if dogsitting, and about $10-20 more if housesitting as it is a more personal service. For example, if the cost of boarding a 40# Border Collie is $25/day, I would expect a petsitter to charge about $30 a day, and a housesitter $40-50/day.

*Observe the interaction between pet and sitter- Unless Fifi is aggressive to anything that moves, mentally notate the relationship between the two individuals. Expect hesitation at first but also clue in to how the sitter is talking and petting your dog/cat.

*Be comfortable with the game plan- Ultimately, you have to approve the whole idea of someone having access to your home and pet. If you have any misgivings about the situation, speak up. It's up to you how integral the petsitter should be in Fido's life, whether it's just giving a back gate key and having the sitter walk and feed twice a day versus giving them the garage door opener and alarm code so that they can spend the night. Whatever your pleasure, you need to set the tone.

Petsitting has become a huge industry for those who are interested in making a great source of secondary income. For those of you who are seeking a sitter, I hope these nuggets of knowledge help you find a pal for your own furry friend.