Pet sitter.
Having someone stay in their home to watch a beloved pet can be an ideal solution for travelers. However, there are fundamental etiquette rules pet sitters should abide by. If you’re thinking of watching someone’s pet for them, here’s how to ensure things go perfectly, courtesy of Dog Food Reviews.
Establish Basic Trust
You love animals and are ready to bring all the warm fuzzies to your furry friend and their owner. This begins with establishing trust with the human part of the equation and respecting their home and space – even when they aren’t there.
Check whether any furniture is off-limits to the pet. Ask what parts of the home are open to you and the pet, where cleaning supplies are located, and avoid opening doors and drawers that you aren’t specifically invited to explore.
Cover the Pet’s Routine and Special Needs
CNIB Foundation points out that many animals need a structured routine to thrive. Talk with the owner about the schedule the pet is used to since the closer you can stay to normal times and places, such as potty spots and where meals are served, the better for the pet’s peace of mind.
Also, many pets have unique needs, just like humans do. Even if you have a similar pet at home, the one you’re watching may have very different needs from yours. Be sure to get the rundown of the pet’s medical needs, exercise routine and limitations, foods, and so forth.
Regarding food, different animals obviously have different dietary needs, so it’s worth checking reviews and looking for the best, safest products out there. For instance, this site could be helpful if you’re caring for a dog that could benefit from healthy, all-natural food.
Keep Up Communication
Fido and Fifi are important enough to their pet parents to have you stay in their home and care for them, and that means being out of sight is definitely not out of mind for Mum and Dad. Be sure to communicate regularly with the pet owners about how things are going.
For example, for many dogs, part of the daily routine is taking a morning walk. This is a great exercise for both the canine and humans and a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your charge – and the owner! Take photos during your outings, or, better yet, video a bit and send it to the owners. They’ll appreciate the positive proof that things all are well!
Mistakes Happen, but They Can Be Righted
Whether created by your charge or you, messages should be cleaned immediately. Most common stains can be effectively removed, as Yellow Pages explains. With the right cleaning supplies, you can also remove the odor of pet-related accidents.
Anything that leaves a stain or mark should be reported to your host, and if you break or damage something, offer to compensate for the loss. When in doubt, ask the pet owner what would be best. Sometimes things like broken glass or small stains aren’t important, but that’s the homeowner’s call – not yours.
Discuss How You Should Handle Emergencies
No matter how carefully you adhere to the pet’s routine, there is always a chance of illness or incident. An insect sting, choke, heatstroke, ingesting a poisonous plant, and so forth can be life-threatening. Be cognizant of changes in the pet’s wellness and demeanor, and act accordingly. Have the pet’s veterinarian’s contact information on hand, and respond as directed by the pet’s owner.
What Brings Joy?
Pets don’t understand why their owners leave and are often stressed about the situation. You can help ease some of that anxiety as a pet sitter by learning the pet’s favorite activities. A walk in the park, cuddles on the couch, special toys, a little catnip, or a good, old-fashioned game of fetch might be just what the doctor ordered to help the pet relax during your stay.
Providing loving and responsible pet sitter services to someone’s furry friend while they travel is a wonderful experience. Follow etiquette basics, like maintaining the normal routine, cleaning up messes, and handling emergencies properly…and take pics or videos during walkies to send to the pet parents! A picture paints a thousand words, and Mom and Dad will appreciate the peace of mind.
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