Hiring a Pet Sitter: How to Make Your Travel Time Fun for Your Pet

Photo by FLOUFFY on Unsplash

Though travel can be enjoyable with a pet, bringing your dog, cat, or other critters along isn’t always possible. Yet there’s no reason your furry friend can’t enjoy their time at home, with the help of a pet sitter. Here’s how to set up your pet during your time away, courtesy of LuvFido.

Why Choose a Pet Sitter?

Leaving your pet behind while traveling can be stressful for you both. Though you might worry regardless, hiring a reliable pet sitter can alleviate your furry friend’s stress. Ensuring that your pet has their meals on time offers reassurance, and with a pet sitter, they won’t get lonely, either.

Boarding might be a doable alternative but comes with a few drawbacks. From the high cost to exposure to other (possibly sick) animals, those risks are significant. Keeping your pet at home is likely to be the most comfortable for them—and you.

Find (and Interview) a Sitter

Choosing a pet sitter is the first step toward a successful trip without Fido or Fifi. The Humane Society recommends reviewing sitter listings from professional pet-sitting associations and interviewing them before leaving your pet.

Checking references and holding a meet-and-greet with your animal(s) are essentials to ensure the right fit. Not every person will “click” with your critter, and vice versa. Plus, allergies, your pet’s temperament, and the setting can factor in.

Set Guidelines for Your Pet Sitter

No matter how great your sitter is, leaving detailed instructions and setting expectations will prove crucial. Outline your pet’s schedule, likes and dislikes, and any requirements for day-to-day care.

Though it might feel like micromanaging, having a caregiver keep to your dog’s regular routine can help your pet feel more confident and avoid bad behavior, says the American Kennel Club. Of course, the right sitter won’t mind following your rules.

Stock Up on Supplies

Equipping your pet sitter to care for your dog may involve stocking up on some supplies—especially pup treats. Consider other items to keep your canine busy and distracted while you’re away.

Play is always important for pets, and dogs benefit from playing with toys for different scenarios. From mental stimulation to distraction to comfort, dog toys serve a variety of needs. Stock up on playthings your pup can focus on in your absence. Even a cozy new bed could help soothe your pup while you’re away.

If your pup is normally anxious, you might want to invest in a muzzle to avoid chewing, aggression, and other bad behavior from causing issues. Measure your dog’s snout, both circumference, and length, to get the best fit. 

Give Yourself Peace of Mind

A trustworthy pet caregiver is the best insurance for you and your furry friend. But checking in provides peace of mind and a failsafe. If your home has security cameras, keeping an eye on the comings and goings is a good start.

However, pet monitoring products add another layer of protection. A GPS tracker, for example, lets you establish safe zones and alerts for your dog (or cat).

Set Communication Expectations

Open communication with your pet sitter is necessary for a good experience on both sides. Before you depart, establish how you’ll communicate with your pet’s caregiver. You might commit to text messages, a messaging app, or even a pet-sitting app with special features for dog walkers and pet owners.

While texting may not impact your pet, it can offer you a glimpse into their time without you. Frequent updates also keep your pup’s sitter accountable and on the ball.

Whether you want to hire a pet sitter to relieve your furry friend’s stress or calm your separation anxiety, it’s hard to go wrong. While you’re away, your beloved pet has someone to keep them company and ensure you stay in touch.

Written by:
Susan Peterson
easytolovepets.com