CHARLOTTE – Depending on your work schedule, lengthy commute or family commitments, finding a pet sitter may be a necessary part of your weekly routine. We have curated our top advice for choosing a reliable pet sitter—so you can feel good about your fur baby’s health and happiness, even while you’re away!
1) Do your research. Google is a great place to start, but there are even more tailored ways to seek qualified pet sitters. Several credible, professional pet-sitting associations publicly list their members online, and allow you to read reviews and other candidate stats. Your neighborhood and community websites can also be a valuable tool!
Pro tip: two notable organizations are Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
2) Seek recommendations. Perhaps the best place to find a trustworthy sitter is from people you know and trust already! Friends, family members and neighbors are all great resources that can help you identify prospective pet sitters. Your veterinarian may also be able to point you in a reliable direction.
Pro tip: The next time you’re checking out at a local convenience store, check their bulletin board for part-time or full-time pet sitter ads!
3) Meet-and-greet. While you can (and should!) ask many important questions about prior experience, fees and services offered, the best person to interview your candidate isn’t a person at all—it’s your fur baby! It is important for both you and your four-legged companion to spend time with a potential sitter. This gives your fur baby a chance to get familiar with a new person, and it gives you time to observe how this candidate interacts with your pet. Pro tip: ask your candidate to take your fur baby on a trial walk!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a great pet-sitter to take care of your fur baby while you’re away!
Passionate Paws Animal Hospital is a proud member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.
