20/01/2025
Thought I would share this.
SOMEONE WHO...
Hello everyone, a lady from this group called Jane Upton added a post yesterday asking about another post she'd seen about the responsibility of pet sitting.
Another lady called Elizabeth Waight kindly replied with a copy of the post saying she'd copied it because it was spot on.
I happened to see this post and thought to myself "I recognise those words!".
I am the author of the original post and I call it SOMEONE WHO...
Here is the full post, I hope you find it useful Looking over the content again now, I'm sure I could elaborate so more but then it would be really looooonngg!! 😁
SOMEONE WHO... I would like to share my thoughts on what I believe are important points to consider when looking for someone who stays in your home to care for your pets and property.
This is your most valuable possession - your home and your beloved pets that we're talking about.
Look for is a sitter that you feel a connection with, someone who you feel comfortable with when corresponding via email, over the telephone and at the pet meet in person.
Someone who your pets feel happy and settled with in their company.
Someone who can supply reviews, insurance, and some type of qualification such as pet first aid certification incase your pet is unwell or has an accident while you’re away.
Someone who is reliable and trustworthy and answers your questions promptly.
Someone who asks lots of questions about your home and pets, so they have all of the information they need to take great care of everything - from your pet's favourite hiding place to where the fuse box is.
Someone who can offer you peace of mind while you’re away so you don’t have to worry about anything - you can just relax and enjoy your holiday.
Someone who will take your bins out, water your plants, accept deliveries and complete daily security checks.
Someone who will look after your pets in the exact same way that you do so their routines are not disrupted and they can continue to feel safe and secure at home.
Someone who understands your pet’s needs. Examples are:
You may have a 2-year-old Springer who is bouncing around all day, full of energy and needs hours of daily mental and physical exercise.
You may have an elderly cat that is going senile and is often convinced that 5am is actually 5pm and teatime!
Or you may have a pet that has physical difficulties and struggles with getting up, getting outside and back in again so you'll need someone who is understanding and capable of lifting your pet in and out of your home for toilet breaks etc.
You may have a pet that is incontinent and needs cleaning after toileting or toilet accidents cleaned up in your home.
You may have a dog that is reactive on walks and who barks, snaps, jumps up and lunges at other dogs. You may have a dog that likes to chase cars, bicycles, joggers or small furry things and will run off any chance they get.
Someone who has experience with these types of things and/or has studied dog behaviour will be an advantage here as they will know how to best manage these kinds of situations.
You may have a dog that has separation anxiety and cannot be left alone because they will continuously bark/whine, destroy furniture, doors, walls and/or defecate in the home.
You will need someone who is willing to stay in your home all day and night, to not accept any other dog walking or pet visit bookings so that your pet is comfortable and doesn't feel stressed.
You may have a pet that needs daily medication (think of trying to give a pill to a cat!), a pet who requires insulin injections or a pet that needs their skin folds wiped clean daily (think of a bulldog!).
Someone who is willing and able to take care of your pet’s individual needs, whatever they may be.
Someone who will send you daily update messages, photos and videos so you can see your pets enjoying their walks, playtime, usual sleeping area etc.
Someone who knows how to react in an emergency and stays calm and doesn’t panic. Who can keep a level-head if your pet becomes ill or there is a property emergency like a burst water pipe.
Someone who is clear on what services they provide, how long will they stay in your home during the day, do they sleep there overnight, will they go out during the day? Will they be there by themselves or bring a partner? Will they bring their own pet?
Someone who is prepared to pack their belongings, drive to a house they’re unfamiliar with, in an area they may not know, away from their own family and friends.
Someone who takes the time to learn where the local shops are so they can purchase their own food supply. To learn the location of the post office, the emergency vet, the pharmacy etc. To learn where the local parks are etc to walk your dogs.
Someone who is prepared to walk your dogs in an unfamiliar area, alone and sometimes in the dark.
Someone who can give medications to pets that may be aversive to the idea.
Someone who is happy to explain who they are to your local neighbours who haven’t seen them around before.
Someone to be on constant alert incase one of your pets needs something.
Someone who is happy to look after pets they may have only met once, to sleep in someone else’s bed (that may or may not be comfortable) to use someone else’s kitchen, to be surrounded by someone else’s furniture, photos, ornaments and personal items.
Someone who will look after and clean your home, ensure your pets are walked, given attention, played with, fed, watered and settled.
Someone who is happy to make sure they have packed all of their belongings away, check your home is locked and secure, put their bags in their vehicle and move on to the next sit to do it all again.
The service of a pet and house sitter is a huge responsibility. It's also a huge responsibility for the pet owner to take on the right type of sitter for the pet’s needs 🧡
