Pro Tips: How to Find Your Pet/House Sitter!

When you're traveling away from home, the safety and comfort of your pets and the security of your home are paramount. Leaving them in capable hands can give you that much-needed peace of mind. However, finding a reliable pet or housesitter can be a daunting task. Here, we will share some expert tips to help you find a trustworthy pet or housesitter, allowing you to travel with ease.

Understand Your Needs

Before starting your search, take a moment to outline what you're looking for in a pet or housesitter:

• Type of pets and care required: Dogs may need walks, while cats may need their litter changed. Consider any special care or medications your pets need.

• House maintenance tasks: Are there plants that need watering or mail that needs collecting?

• Duration of sitting: The length of your trip can influence the type of sitter you choose.

Knowing what you need will help you ask the right questions and find a sitter who can meet all your requirements.

Use Trusted Resources to Find Candidates

• Referrals from friends and family: Getting recommendations from people you trust is often the best way to find a great pet or housesitter.

• Professional services: Websites like Rover, Care, and TrustedHousesitters specialize in connecting homeowners with vetted sitters.

• Local bulletin boards or community groups: Sometimes, great sitters can be found through local resources like community centers or social media groups.

Interview Potential Sitters

After you’ve found some candidates, interview them to ensure they’re a good fit. Ask questions about:

• Their experience with pets is similar to yours

• Their approach to dealing with emergencies

• Their availability to stay at your house or visit regularly

• References from previous pet/house-sitting jobs

During the interview, observe how they interact with your pets. Look for signs of genuine affection and a calm demeanor.

Check References and Background

Always ask for references and contact them to inquire about the sitter’s reliability, trustworthiness, and the quality of care provided. Additionally, consider requesting a background check for added security, especially if they will be staying in your home for an extended period.

Conduct a Trial Run

Before committing to a long-term arrangement, arrange a short trial period. This can be an afternoon or a day when the sitter cares for your pets while you’re nearby. This allows you to see how they handle your pets and home in real time.

Communicate Clearly

Create a detailed list of tasks and instructions for your housesitter. Include:

• Feeding schedules, medical requirements, and behavioral quirks of each pet

• Emergency contacts, including your vet’s information

• Instructions for home care, including alarm systems and appliance use

Good communication is key to ensuring your instructions are followed and your pets are cared for properly.

Set Up a Formal Agreement

Once you find the right sitter, put your agreement in writing. Include:

• Duration of the stay

• Compensation (if applicable)

• Expectations for care and communication

Having a signed agreement can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a record of your arrangement.

Prepare Your Home for the Sitter

Clean and declutter your house before you leave. Leave supplies like food, cleaning products, and extra keys readily available. Make sure your home is a comfortable and safe environment for both your pets and the sitter.

Stay Connected

Arrange for regular updates from your pet/house sitter while you’re away. Whether it’s through text messages, emails, or video calls, staying in touch will reassure you that everything is going well at home.

Show Appreciation

When you return home to happy pets and a well-cared-for house, be sure to thank your pet/house sitter. A thoughtful gesture, a positive review, or the offer of future sitting opportunities can go a long way.

By following these pro tips, you can find a pet/house or housesitter who will provide excellent care for your furry friends and home, allowing you to enjoy your time away without worry.