YNP #015: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part Two Pet Sitters

Welcome to Part Two of the two-part series on helping you find the right dog care for you.  In part one (Episode #14) I talked all about facilities.  In this episode I talk about Pet Sitters.

Who will take care of your dog when you can’t is a very common concern for most dog owners.  With good reason.  There is a high level of trust that has to happen for you to feel comfortable to leave your dog in someone else’s hands.  

Good news is there are a lot of options out there nowadays.  The bad news is there is a lot of options out there nowadays.

There are a few things to consider when deciding which option is right for you and your dog.  Remember that your comfort is just as important as your dog’s comfort.  If you are nervous about leaving your dog then your dog will be nervous about being left.  

Even if you are clear about which service you want, now you have to find the place or person you trust.  The only way to really do that is to talk to them and ask lots of questions.  Remember this is your dog you will be leaving with them, don’t be shy about getting all the information you can.

I talk about your different options when considering a pet sitter.   Most pet sitters will do home visits.  Home visits are where the sitter comes and takes care of your dog while he stays in his home environment.  Some pet sitters will even take your dog into their home and stay while you are away.

In this episode I talk about both options plus how to find the pet sitter that is right for you and your dog including:

1. Decide on what your priorities are
2. Do your research
3. Call and ask questions
4. Schedule a meet and greet
5. Do a test run.

Don’t forget to check out part one (episode 14) where I talk all about facilities.

To help you through this process I have provide you with a questionnaire you can use as a starting point to ask lots of questions and figure out which pet sitter is going to be the best for you and your dog.

The questions are split into two categories: Pet sitters that come to your home and pet sitters that will take your dog into their home.

The questions are designed to give you a head start.  They center around getting a clear picture of what is happening inside a facility once you drop your dog off.  Use these questions exactly or modify and add questions depending on your priorities and needs.

Get Your Free Tool

Additional Resources mentioned in this Episode

Episode 14: YNP #014: How to Choose the Right Dog Care – Part One

Rover.com

Pet Sitters International

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters