01/02/2025
There are a lot of things that can go wrong in life, and if you own a farm you know most of them happen while you’re away! It is extremely valuable to have someone knowledgeable and dependable looking after things in your absence. In the seven years I’ve been farmsitting and petsitting I have seen a lot. Whomever you ask to watch your animals should be inquiring about these things;
✔️ Current vet contact info
✔️ If electric fences - where the fencer is located
✔️ Location of fuse box
✔️ Contact info of neighbors or local family to call should livestock get out
✔️ Where fencing materials are located
✔️ Location of ‘the vet kit’
✔️ Who is handling snow removal (if applicable)
✔️ If any animals are on meds or have preexisting medical conditions
✔️ Person authorized to make difficult decisions on client’s behalf in the event they cannot be reached
✔️ Backup water source in the event an automatic waterer fails
It is truly never a “throw hay twice a day and check that the automatic waterer is working” situation. In the event that something catastrophic happens, you’re going to want somebody present who can take charge and problem solve. Whoever you hire should be checking over all animals at least daily (if possible) for injuries and illness at the bare minimum, and that’s non-negotiable in my opinion.
Like anything in this world, you get what you pay for. You may continue to hire the 12 year old neighbor kid for $5 - but I bet he isn’t asking where the fencer is…..just sayin’. 😉
All of my love, & also my two cents!
-Audrey ❣️
