How to Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter For Your Vacation

No matter who you are or how much you care for your pet, there will come a time when you cannot take your animal with you on vacation or a work related trip.  When this happens, you will have to find a trustworthy pet sitter.  However, it's important that you know how to choose the right pet sitter to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy while you are away.

Get Referrals

One good option is to ask your friends and family if they have ever used a pet sitter and if they would recommend that person again.  Often, you will find that a neighbor will be willing to watch your pet while you're gone for a small fee.

Introduce the Pet and Sitter Beforehand

If you choose a friend or neighbor, make sure that the person is responsible and trustworthy.  While pet sitting is a job that teens can do, you want to make sure that they have the right character and temperament.  You should also make sure that the person and your pet get along.  Introduce them before you have to leave and let your pet get used to the new personality that they'll be interacting with.

Find a Professional Service

You can also choose to leave your pet with a professional sitting service such as boarding kennels or a cat hotel.  These can be a bit expensive, but there are few better ways to ensure that your pet is looked after properly while you are gone.  Professional services also usually offer complementary treatments and services for your pet during their stay – grooming, nail trimming and walking can be valuable services.

Get Your Pet Comfortable

It's normal for your pet to sit by your bedside and put on a sad face as you pack your bags to leave.  Your pet is more intelligent than you might think, and will associate you packing your bags with the last time you went away for a few days.  Make your pet relax with distraction techniques, like buying new toys, bones or treats for your pet to enjoy in your absence.  Ensure they'll get plenty of exercise and playtime while you're away and make a big fuss of them before you leave and when you return.

Choosing a pet sitter should not be difficult, but make sure that your animal is happy and comfortable no matter what route you choose to follow.