by Linda Chase
The ability to travel is one of the greatest gifts life can give us. But if you’re a pet parent, that gift can come with some
added stress. One of your primary concerns might be who will take care of your beloved pet when you’re away.
What if something goes wrong — how do you ensure your pet sitter is trustworthy and reliable? To help keep your
travels worry-free, here are some tips on finding a pet sitter and setting them up in your home as you travel.
Finding and Vetting Pet Sitters
It’s best to start looking for a pet sitter early, so you have time to get to know each candidate a bit before making your decision. Six weeks before departure is ideal. This will give you time to ask friends, family, and neighbors for
recommendations and interview several potential candidates. You could also look online for services in your area.
After narrowing your list of candidates, call each of them and ask questions about their experience with pets and
related topics (e.g., healthcare needs, behavioral issues, etc.). Remember to ask specific questions about their
availability, so you know exactly how often they’ll visit your home while you’re away.
Ensuring Your Pet Sitter Has Supplies
Your next step is to provide the sitter with everything they need while caring for your pet. Depending on the animal, this might include:
- Food
- Water bowls
- Treats
- Toys
- Brushes
- Litter boxes
- Leashes/harnesses/carriers
- Bedding
Few things are more important than the food you give your pet. Many dogs benefit from a grain-free diet because it contains fewer carbohydrates and more proteins from high-quality sources (e.g., fish, meat, poultry).
You can also visit Dogs of Britain to find locally sourced, all-natural treats your pup is sure to love.
Also, leave the sitter any medications or supplements necessary for the duration of their stay. If possible, provide extra
supplies in case of emergency trips or last-minute changes in plans. It never hurts to be prepared!
Further, consider speaking with the sitter about any specific behavioral expectations, so everyone involved is aware of any rules or routines that need to be followed while caring for your pet.
Keeping Your Home Secure While Away
When it comes time to leave town on vacation (or for work), it’s essential that you’ve prepared ahead of time to keep
your home secure while you’re gone. Ensure all the doors and windows are locked, including any entrances accessible by ladders or balconies, garage door openers, and doorbell cameras outside the home.
It’s also wise to disconnect all unused appliances like coffee makers or TVs; this will prevent them from potentially
being used by an intruder when no one else is home. Moreover, install motion sensor lights on your property’s exterior perimeter to deter any unwanted visitors from entering without permission.
Communicating With Your Pet Sitter
It’s always essential to maintain communication with your pet sitter throughout their stay. That way, both parties are
aware of any changes in routine regarding meals or walks throughout the day.
Consider setting up a webcam for them — and perhaps yourself — to check in on how things are going at home during specific times of the day. And be sure to share all your contact information with each other before departing to avoid
confusion about how to reach one other if necessary.
Alleviating Stress
To limit your pet’s stress before leaving them with a pet sitter, ensure they have access to their favorite toys and
comfort objects, plenty of food and water, and a designated area to rest.
Additionally, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or natural remedies recommended by your
veterinarian. It’s also a good idea to spend some quality time together before you leave.
Conclusion
Traveling is not as fun or relaxing when you’re worried about your pet back home. Remember to find a trusty pet sitter and provide them with high-quality food and any other necessary supplies for your furry companion.
Take any precautions needed for your home to stay secure, alleviate your pet’s stress before you leave, and maintain regular communication with the sitter throughout your trip. Implementing the tips above will help ensure that your pet
stays safe and happy until you’re ready to reunite after your successful travels!
