National Pet Sitters Week: Let’s Celebrate These Pawsome People
Susie enjoying a Benebone during a meet and greet visit.
Hey there, fellow pet parents! As a positive reinforcement dog and cat trainer, I know firsthand how much anxiety we can feel when we have to travel and leave our furry companions behind. But there are amazing individuals who step in to shower our pets with love while we’re away, and this now is the time to celebrate them. March 3-9 is National Pet Sitters Week, so let’s shower them with appreciation for lovingly caring for our pets while we’re away.
Missing Doesn’t Mean Missing Out on Fun
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean your pet has to miss out on all the fun. A good pet sitter can ensure your furry friend receives enriching activities, playtime, and plenty of cuddles to reduce boredom and loneliness. They can even maintain your pet’s regular routine, which will minimize stress and anxiety.
Oreo playing with a small ball that was tossed to her by a pet professional.
Here are some things pet sitters do:
Provide walks to give your pup fresh air and exercise.
Provide food and fresh water as you prefer.
Administer medication your pet may require.
Clean litter boxes to ensure your cat doesn’t eliminate outside the box.
Prey-play with your cat to help them burn off energy and act out the cat’s instinctive need to hunt..
Shower them with affection and companionship by providing cuddles, attention, and love to fill the void while you’re gone.
And so much more!
Show Your Appreciation
To show your pet sitter how much you appreciate the role they play in your pet’s life – and the peace of mind they give you because you know your pets are in good hands during your absence, share your experiences and show your appreciation for your pet sitter on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetSittersWeek. You can also give:
A heartfelt thank you card. Express your gratitude for their dedication and care.
A thoughtful gift. Consider a gift certificate to a pet store or coffee shop, a small token of appreciation, or a donation to their favorite animal shelter in their name.
A sincere review or testimonial. Share your positive experience with your pet sitter online or with friends and family.
A delicious treat. Bake a batch of homemade dog biscuits or cat treats to show your appreciation.
A referral. If you were happy with their services, recommend them to others who need pet sitting help.
Understanding Pet Sitting Services
Pet sitters offer a variety of services, with prices typically based on the duration and complexity of care. Some commonly offered services include:
Drop-in visits, which are short check-ins to let your pet out, feed them, and provide some playtime.
Mid-day visits to provide short walks to break up the day and provide your pet with exercise, whether you’re at the office all day or traveling.
Overnight stays, with the sitter staying at your home to provide more hours of care.
Finding A Great Sitter
There are a number of things to consider when looking for the perfect pet sitter for your furry friend. The first is whether you will use a larger commercial service, a local company, or an individual.
Larger commercial services usually offer standardized procedures and wider coverage, but might have less flexibility for customized care.
Smaller companies and individual sitters usually offer more personalized care and flexibility, but might have limited coverage or availability.
Precious warmed up to this pet sitter and enjoys pets.
Other things to consider include:
Service area: Pet sitters typically offer services in a limited area, such as a small zip code, to ensure they’re able to serve the most households in the most efficient time possible, rather than driving from the west side of town to the north side of town to the south side of town….
Services and pricing: Pet sitters offer a variety of services, from in-home visits to overnight stays. Prices can vary depending on location, duration, experience, and the services offered.
Experience: Choose someone comfortable with your pet’s specific needs, including species, breed and any behavioral quirks.
Medication capabilities: If your pet requires medication or special medical care, such as blood sugar checks for diabetic pets or administration of fluids, make sure your pet sitter is comfortable and competent in those areas.
Connects well with your pet: Observe your pet and the pet sitter during the meet-and-greet to ensure they are comfortable with each other. This is particularly important for cats and dogs who take time to feel comfortable around strangers.
Is insured and bonded: This protects you in case of accidents or injuries.
Shares updates: Many pet sitters provide pictures or videos from each visit. Not only does this prove to you they visited when they are supposed to, but it also gives you a chance to smile hugely when you get that pic of your adorable pet. Finally, it also gives you a chance to see your cat or dog from the perspective of the pet sitter.
Has great references and reviews: Ask for references and check online reviews to gauge their experience and reputation.
When to Consider a Behavior Specialist
Fiona and Gryphon are comfortable enough with their pet sitter to enjoy and share a Churu lickable treat.
If your dog is leash-reactive, or your pet is fearful of strangers or has other special needs, you might consider hiring a pet sitter who is also a dog or cat trainer certified through a reputable organization such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or Fear Free Pets. Such an expert can provide additional support and training to ensure your pet has a positive experience while you’re away.
Set Your Pet Sitter Up for Success
Make sure your pet sitter feels confident and prepared by providing them with:
Clear instructions: Write down detailed instructions on feeding, medication, exercise routines, and emergency contact information.
Checklists: Create checklists for daily tasks like feeding, walks, and litter box cleaning. Include any reminders like adjusting the thermostat or administering medication at specific times of day.
Supplies: Provide them with everything they need, including food, treats, water, toys, leashes, and waste bags.
Show Some Love
This National Pet Sitters Week, show your appreciation for the amazing individuals who care for your furry companions when you can’t be there. By acknowledging their dedication, offering thoughtful gestures, and choosing the right person for the job, we can ensure our pets receive the love and care they deserve, even when we’re miles away. They are truly pawsome individuals who deserve our love and support.
