Choosing a pet sitter
Tuesday, 26th March 2013 at 15:01 PM
When choosing a pet sitter it is important to ask certain questions to ensure that you are getting the best possible service. Here are some tips to help you on your way . .
- Is the company established and operating in a professional manner?
We see a scary amount of people setting up as pet sitters as they think it is an easy way to make some extra money. They may well be great with animals but do they have the commitment to their clients an established company has? Every year I loose count of the number of people who call me in a panic because they have decided to risk what may of been a cheaper option only to get a phone call a few days before holidays with excuses and let downs. - Are they Insured and what systems are in place?
It is important that your pet sitter is properly insured however 'careful' they may say they will be. It is also worth checking what sort of insurance they actually hold; what cover do you actually have in the event of a problem? Your pet sitter should also have systems in place to monitor bookings along with detailed records of your home and pets. - How many clients are they looking after at a time?
What are they going to be during their time at your property? Are they juggling you with other clients? Will your pets be sure to get the attention you are paying for them to have? Properly run companies should be able to guarantee that your pets will never be left for more than 3 hours per day. You are paying them to be there, not to leave your pets to care for others. - What back up do they have?
Do they have a plan in place in the case of a problem? If your sitter or a member of their immediate family is taken ill what happens? - Can they provide you with references?
Pet lovers by nature tend to be delighted to provide references for anyone who has care for their animals well. If a pet sitter quibbles over references alarm bells should ring! - Does the company employ staff and what basis are the employed on?
There are numerous websites around offering to match clients up with sitters who will work for 'free'. What they don't make clear is that these people have simply paid to join a website with no real reference checks in place. Always check the information from the other side: if the emphasis is on free accommodation with little mention of a love of animals you need to be wary. Ideally you should look for a formal company interested in caring for animals not signing people up to a website. Sitters be properly checked out and interviewed.
