Fetch!, you won't have to worry about this because most companies require a high school diploma before hiring. The next thing a pet sitter will need is a lot of experience. Work experience teaches a person what is expected of them and how to handle various situations that may arise while caring for your pet. This knowledge provides them with the critical ability to adapt to different clients and dogs while on the job. It is essential that your dog sitter has at least basic first aid skills and can perform CPR if necessary. While it is unlikely that these skills will ever be required, they will be beneficial in the event of an accident. A dog sitter should also have good coordination and problem-solving skills. These abilities will enable them to think quickly on their feet and provide your dog with everything they require while you are away.

 

bonded and have general liability insurance. You must understand that the time your dog spends with its sitter and the interactions they have are totally beyond your control. Property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury are all possibilities. It's possible that your dog bit someone badly or damaged someone's property while you were gone. General liability protects not only the pet sitting service from third-party legal action but also you and your dog. Bonding, on the other hand, ensures that if the person caring for your dog is directly responsible for the theft of your belongings or damage to your property, the company for which they work will be able to compensate you.

 

Before hiring a prospective pet sitter, you must conduct a face-to-face or video interview with them. An in-person interview will allow you to see the sitter's skills and qualifications for yourself, rather than relying on hearsay or what you see on paper. During this stage of the vetting and hiring process, you should also begin asking the questions that will help you determine if the sitter has all of the fundamental qualities you should look for in a dog sitter, as mentioned earlier in the article.

For that reason, here are some questions should you ask during the interview:

● What qualifications and training have you received to ensure that you are qualified for this position?

● Do you have a backup plan in place if you cannot come in and care for my pet, and do you have the contact information for the people who will step in for you?

● Are you covered by general liability insurance and bonded in the event of a legal issue?

● Do you keep track of my dog's behaviour, medical issues, and habits?

● Can you provide a written contract outlining the services you offer and the fees you will charge for them?

● Do you provide any other services besides pet care, and do you charge a fee for them?

● Will you be able to provide contact information for past clients and references?

● Will you keep in touch with me throughout the day about your activities and if anything happens?

● What will you require of me?

 

Once you've hired a pet sitter, you should provide them with as much information as possible to give them the best chance of properly caring for your dog. First of all, you must provide them with the contact information for your veterinarian and dog trainer. They should also have all of your dog's health information, such as a history of previous health concerns, medications they are currently taking, and immunization history. If you have pet insurance, you will need to provide an insurance card or membership document. You will also need to provide your sitter with a dog bio. A bio will include when and how to administer your dog's medications, meal and nutritional plans, their characteristics and behaviour, and what they enjoy doing during the day, among other things. After that, you'll want to make sure your dog has enough supplies for the duration of your absence. These items include your dog's food, toys, cleaning supplies, leashes/harnesses, and identification tags. Finally, prepare your home; so it is safe for both your dog and their sitter. That includes closing any areas you don't want your dog to visit and storing any valuable items in a secure and inaccessible location.

 

When hiring a dog sitter for their furry friend, many pet owners seek recommendations from their veterinarians, neighbours, or dog care facilities. Aside from these, there are companies and organizations that can assist you in the process of finding a dog sitter. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters(NAPPS) and Pet Sitters International (PSI) are two such organizations. Both are committed to educating aspiring and current pet sitters about the industry's proper standards. Individuals who want to start pet sitting businesses become members of these organizations and work to get their business accredited. After joining, they gain experience by networking with other pet sitters and attending professional conferences.

There are also excellent pet care services available, such as Rover, Fetch!, and Care.com. These services provide information about pet sitters in your area, including their rates, experience, and references.

Author Information

Robert Cain is one half of the content writing team on doggearcity.com. He hopes to share the experiences he has had with his dogs through his articles and also hopes that they add value to the relationship that you share with your dog.