You no longer have to call in favors from your family members or beg the most responsible neighbor kid to take care of your pets while you’re gone. Rover.com makes finding a qualified pet sitter not just convenient; it’s entirely stress-free. While there are thousands of approved pet sitters in the Rover network, you still need to pick someone who is a match for your furry friends. Consider these tips when looking for the right pet sitter:
1. Take your time. In other words, don’t wait until the last minute to find a pet sitter. What kind of pet sitter are you looking for? Someone with a flexible schedule? Great with senior dogs? Patient with puppies who are potty training? Take the time to read through the Rover pet sitter profiles, message potential sitters and ask questions, and schedule time to meet. If you’re clear on what you’re looking for in a pet sitter, you’ll have an easier time narrowing your choices.
Rover.com
2. Ask your dog. Once you’ve narrowed down to your 2-3 favorite pet sitters, schedule a meet and greet so your pets have the opportunity to see who they like. Don’t expect that your first choice will also be your dog’s favorite too. Ultimately, your pets have to get along with their pet sitter. If they’re not happy, no one will be happy. Keep in mind, your dog may take time to adjust to new people and new smells, so don’t assume the first visit with a new pet sitter will tell you everything.
3. Ask for what you want. When you meet with potential pet sitters, share about the kind of pet owner you are and what you’re looking for in a pet sitter. Share the rules of the house with the pet sitter. Are the dogs allowed on the couch? If not, what do you do if your dog breaks the rules? Train new pet sitters to use your training commands and follow the routine that you’ve set for your pets.
4. Pay a fair rate. If you’ve put the time into finding the right pet sitter, you’ll want to create a mutually beneficial relationship that lasts. To have a loyal pet sitter who loves working with you, pay them what they’re worth. Every Rover.com profile posts the rates that a pet sitter requests. Don’t expect to pay less. When you’ve found an awesome pet sitter, make sure they know it!
5. Check-in regularly. As your pet sitter and pets develop a relationship, check-in to makes sure it’s working. Find out if your pet sitter is enjoying their work with you and your pets or if there are any issues to work out. Create the time and space where both of you can share what’s working and problem solve whatever may not be working as well.
Finding the right pet sitter doesn’t have to be rocket science, but you and your pets will be more satisfied if you’ve done the work to choose the best person for the job!
Written by Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
Lisa Favre
November 14, 2017This is so important because lots of mamas to furbabies have a hard time leaving home because of pets. This is something I should show my in-laws!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
November 14, 2017These are great tips. I am very selective about who I have watch my two fur babies when we’re away.
Bill Sweeney
November 14, 2017It’s so important to make sure you pick the right person to watch your dog when you’re away. You need to be able to trust the person who’s watching your furry kids.
Melissa Dixon
November 14, 2017As someone who has worked with pets for years I know how hard it can be to find someone you can trust. I have a hard time trusting people as it is but I suggest everyone use cameras for sure!
Claudia Krusch
November 14, 2017I have been thinking about trying a dog sitter. We have been lucky to have family be able to watch our dogs when we go away. I have a few shorter trips this winter we could use some help with.
Marysa
November 14, 2017We are actually going away on a 10 day vacation and need to find a pet sitter. Our old cat was pretty anti-social, so it was fine if someone just stopped in to put food out and scoop the litter. But our new cats need a lot of attention and interaction, so I’ll have to hire a petsitter. Thanks for the tips!
Ricci
November 14, 2017I need to find a pet sitter/walker for my girl! I am gone from home so much and I hate leaving her bored and lonely!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations
November 15, 2017These are really great tips for finding a pet sitter. It is so important that we ensure that our pets are taken care of properly while we are away,
Chubskulit Rose
November 15, 2017We have so many pets that whenever we have to go on vacation, it is hard finding someone to take care of each of them. Great guide.
Erica{Mama Ash}
November 15, 2017A friendship of mine actually dissolved because I asked her to visit my cat, she lived close. But backed out just days before we left! Thankfully I found a reliable friend to help us 🙂
Anonymous
November 15, 2017This is also applicable to people who work long hours. I like this idea, pet owners don’t have to worry anymore.
Kathy
November 15, 2017It can be tough finding a good sitter. I don’t have any dogs, but I do have two cats. I would go towards family first for finding a sitter. You have to go with who you can trust.
Up Run for Life Healthy Lifestyle Blog
November 15, 2017We haven’t ever used a pet sitter or boarded my pup. My mother in law usually watches him but I always hate putting the burden on her. I will have to look into finding the right pet sitter next time we need to go somewhere.
Cyn Gagen
November 15, 2017These are such good tips. It’s so important to find the right pet sitter. My pets are my babies and I just fret the whole time I’m away if I don’t trust the sitter 100%.
Lynndee
November 16, 2017I bet people with pets are thankful to know about Rover since it would be easier and convenient for them to find a sitter for their beloved pets. Great post!
David Elliott
November 18, 2017I do really think it’s important to make sure your pet is comfortable with the sitter that you have. If the pet isn’t able to bond with that, it would make it difficult for everyone.
Sarah Bailey
November 23, 2017It is so important to make sure you have the right sort of people to look after your pet to put your mind at ease. I am going to have to have a look at Rover!