How to Select a Trustworthy Dog Sitter

Trusting your furry child with a stranger can be daunting knowing that a stranger has full access to your home while your away is another concern. Over the years several online networking sites have popped up connecting care providers with those in need of pet sitting services. Although these sites are a helpful platform bringing people together it does not offer a guarantee that the care provider is really interested in pets to begin with. In fact, one online care network even asks this question for potential care providers, “Does it matter if pet care provider is comfortable with pets?”  What does that mean? Why would anyone employ someone who is not comfortable with pets to look after their furry family member? Interesting to note that this same question is not directed toward child care providers. Hump. That is something to ponder. Should you decide to use these online resources, you will need to weed out individuals that merely view your dog as financial commodity. Importantly, finding someone who takes pet sitting seriously and WILL show up to feed and exercise your dog as agreed.

The following ideas offer a good place to start when seeking out reliable in home pet care.

1. Ask for references. Speaking with other clients will give a solid insight. People love to talk about their pets and are more than willing to offer assistance with finding a trustworthy sitter. Most veterinary offices and animal care rescue organizations can be reluctant to suggest one specific pet sitter but while offer a list of individuals to choose from. They will know of trustworthy care providers with a good track record. If you are given several individuals as pet sitter contacts, arrange to meet having your pet present and observe interaction between them.
2. Setup an interview. Be observant with your pets’ response to this individual. Does the pet care provider engage with your dog in a nonthreatening way, reaching out slowly, sitting on the floor in a nonthreatening way allowing your pet to draw near and investigate? Do they allow the pet to approach on its terms? Keep in mind. Anyone to assertive or forceful will be perceived as a threat to any animal. A good pet sitter will already understand this.
3. How does this person relate to your dog? First clues are evident by how your pet responds to an individual.  Does pet keep distance or shy away? You know your pet best. If they are not keen on this person perhaps there is a good reason and instinctively they understand more than the initial personality veneer. Perhaps this person views your pet as just a business opportunity and not a serious responsibility. Keep in mind that if you don’t feel right about a potential dog sitter, your pet most likely doesn’t either. With that said, you can rely on your own gut feeling to a point; however, it is good to speak directly with references.  

Finding a good pet sitter that understands the responsibility of caring for another life can be challenging but not impossible. There are people that see this as a serious role, not a money making proposition, and worth the effort to find.