06/21/2025
Happy Summer friends!
Every summer I start seeing the post, my sitter bailed last minute. It’s so sad to me so I just want to give anyone I can info on things to look for to avoid your vacations being ruined. It’s so nerve racking not to have your babies taken care of.
Professional sitting is very new to our area and very needed. True professional pet sitting that is. To be a professional, you need things like a business license, insurance, bonding, education, and certifications. If you’re hiring a sitter, ask for these things.
Ask do you have a back up plan for emergencies? Ask what their plan is if their own family has an emergency? You and sitter should have a back up plan. Even if thats a boarding facility for worst case or bare minimum Drop in visits.
Ask for experience, have they handled anxious or reactive dogs? Ask what they would do if there is a dog fight or if a stray dog approaches on a walk? Ask if they have a first aid kit on them? Do they have a slip leash for if dog breaks collar? What Is their plan if your dog/cat/horse/etc gets hurt or sick? What will they do if you have a pipe leaking?
All of these things are just going to show you how prepared someone is. A true professional sitter should have back up plans for back up plans.
If you hire someone without this experience, education, and business plan you may be taking a chance of being that person posting the day before vacation looking for a sitter. Keep in mind, good sitters had holidays like July 4th booked in January! You’re trusting these people with your home, your pets, and ultimately your money/investments $$$. We as pet owners put a lot of money in our animals, it’s all expensive so quality care is needed.
I’m not saying the kiddo down the street won’t do a good job, I was that kiddo! I’m not saying your cousins, girlfriends, niece, 2nd cousins removed won’t do a good job. I’m saying if this isn’t their career, your animals and home may not be their #1 priority! If something better comes along, it’s not their livelihood on the line and some people don’t realize how big of a deal it is.
Even if you aren’t using my services with Happy Tails, if you have questions, ask me! My #1 priority in this business is for all the animals to receive amazing care, even if that’s not from me. 🙂 I truly hope this helps even 1 family not go thru the horror stories I hear every day.
Pic of my new friends today for tax 🙂
