Interviewing Pet Sitters

     Interviewing and selecting a pet sitter is an important decision for you and your pet.  Most pet sitters begin with a person to person meeting with a visit to your home.  Pet sitters should be able to provide you with references and proof of commercial liability insurance.  They should also provide proof of bonding of staff if they have employees.  Bonding is not necessary if the business does not have employees because all liability falls upon the business owner or owners.  Most pet sitters are small operations and when back up is needed, they often use sub-contractors that carry their own commercial liability insurance.

    A good pet sitter should have knowledge on animal care and should have experience with the type of pets they will be caring for.  They should conduct themselves as a professional, and he/she should take down your pet's care and home needs in writing.  They should also get written authorization from you to enter your home, and also the authorization to employ a lock smith if there was a problem with a malfunctioning lock or a key problem.  A pet sitter should also get from you written permission to seek veterinary care for your pet if needed.  These are signs of a good, well-prepared pet sitter.  You want a pet sitter who has a thoughtful regard for your pet's well being and one who takes the time to make sure they have what they need to achieve that in writing.

    A good question to ask during at first consultation with a pet sitter is what they do if they experience illness or car trouble.  What is their back up plan to make sure your pet is cared for if such an event should occur?  This is also a good time to establish a contingency plan if there was a  natural disaster or inclement weather that would prevent your pet sitter from being able to get to your pet.  Giving your pet sitter a phone number of a close neighbor or maybe a relative who could make decisions if the pet sitter was unable to contact you is good planning and important for your pet's safety.

    You should also ask the pet sitter if they will record daily notes of their visits to your pet, things like your pet's behavior, condition, and their care routine while you are away.  Such notes will help you to know what services have been provided and how your pet reacted while you were gone.

    Service rates and extra fees should be discussed before services take place.  On average Portland area pet sitters charge $18 dollars for a half hour visit, though prices and services do vary from business to business.  The number of visits to your home usually depends on how many visits you request of your sitter.  Most pet sitters offer up to three visits a day, and some pet sitters offer overnight services.  Most pet sitters require payment up front before services are rendered, while others may just leave an invoice on a final service visit.  Either way, determine this in the beginning and pay promptly, an unpaid pet sitter is the quickest and surest way to be without a pet sitter.  Once you find a good pet sitter, you will find they are well worth keeping.

    Coming home to a happy, content and relaxed pet is one of the many benefits you will find with having a reliable pet sitter.  You will also enjoy the convenience of pet care being just a phone call away, and the comfort of knowing that your pet will be cared for at home where your pet is most familiar and relaxed.  Take the time, ask the questions, and surely you will find the right pet sitter for you and your pet.