Tampa Bay Pet Expo

Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway, or a long holiday abroad, your furry family needs TLC. Do you know the reasons for why choose a professional pet sitter? Although you can ask your friends or family to check on your pets while you’re gone, there are many benefits to a professional pet sitter. The benefits of pet sitting include: your pet experiencing less stress at home, decreased exposure to illness (compared to when they are placed in a kennel), no interruption in your pet’s exercise and feeding routines, and enjoying the peace of mind knowing that a professional is looking after them.

Why Choose a Professional Pet Sitter

Whether pet sitters stay overnight or only come on scheduled visits will depend on your agreement with your pet care provider. If you are comparing pet sitting and boarding, you’ll find that in-home pet sitters take the time and effort to care for your pets, and have undergone background checks (and carry insurance). Best of all, you’re hiring someone who has undergone specialized training.

So, what does a pet sitter do that will put your mind at ease and help you enjoy your vacation more?

• They Put More Time and Energy into the Care of your Pet

If it’s only a friend, neighbor, or family that you ask to check on your cat, you can’t be sure what you’re getting: will they play with your pet, will they take time to find them if they’re hiding, will they only scoop some food into the bowl and then leave? You can discuss questions with your sitter, such as: will the pet sitter stay overnight, how often should they come, how long they stay, etc. This gives you the flexibility to select the best care services for your pets.

• More Secure with Background Check and Insurance

It’s not safe to let someone into your home when you’re away, but many professional pet care businesses conduct background checks on their employees. Many pet sitters also carry insurance policies in case something happens to your pet, home, or property. This way, you can discuss safety measures with your pet’s sitter, and what protocol would be if an accident were to happen.

• You’re hiring Someone Whose Passion is Caring for and Loving Animals

Pet sitters devote their lives to spending time with animals and caring for them. They have the experience and ‘intuition’ to understand your pet’s subtle behaviors and are skilled in helping them feel relaxed and safe in your absence.

• You’re Hiring an Experienced Pet Caregiver with Specialized Training in Administering Medications

This is one of the major benefits from pet sitters: These professionals have the experience and training to quickly identify problems –better than an average person could. They know when and how to take action, such as handling injections and other types of procedures.

How do I Find a Good Pet Sitter?

Finding a trustworthy dog sitter is best done through referrals. Family members or friends can easily recommend somebody they know or have used before. You can also ask for references from a pet sitter, or check out their website/social media for feedback and reviews.

What is a Professional Pet Sitter?

While owners are away on a holiday, pet sitters give daily care for their pets that are left behind. Typically, they offer in-home service so the pets can stay in their familiar environment. When clients go out of town, pet sitters provide a regular dog walking service, as well as the option for overnight pet sitting.

Conclusion 

You’re not the only one asking why choose a professional pet sitter, but you should understand how valuable this can be to your pet. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of pet sitting vs boarding, understanding what they do will convince you to hire a pet sitter the next time you’re not home. The things pet sitters do, like providing exercise, on-time feeding and changing of water bowls, administering medication, checking for stress, injuries or behavior red flags, cleaning pet messes, etc. are just the kind of TLC your pet needs in your absence.