Dog Sitting:

It’s that time of year again. Actually, any time of year could beckon you to look into getting a dog sitter or a professional care giver. Whether you’re going away on a business trip, family vacation, or simply out of town, a dog sitter will visit your home to feed your dog, as well as care for him, check up on him, and play with your pet. Some people decide a dog sitter will be a neighbor or friend while others may enlist professional dog sitters.

If it’s the latter, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a professional dog sitter. First, it’s important to interview the dog sitter. Consider them like a nanny only for your pet – would you hire a nanny sight unseen for a child? Neither would we. Plus, the interview is important since the industry is not regulated, services and prices may differ depending on the specific dog sitter. Another important question to ask will reference liability insurance. Yet another is the dog sitter’s ability to provide references. Once you get the references feel free to call people for their opinion – was the dog sitter responsible? Were there any problems? Better yet, would they recommend the dog sitter? You’ll also be able to gauge the interaction of the potential dog sitter with your pooch – do they interact well and play well or is there some antagonism present?

If you decide to move forward with a particular dog sitter, you’ll want to provide him or her with your contact information as well as the vet’s contact information. Even if it’s not a professional and simply your neighbor, it’s a wise move to also provide him or her with contact information.
After you’ve done your homework, it’s likely that your dog will appreciate the dog sitting service (or a dog walking service for that matter). This means he’ll be in his familiar home without having to be in a kennel. Your pooch will follow their regular diet and exercise routine and will not be removed from the familiar surrounding to enter an unfamiliar environment.

For more information about dog sitters you may find some helpful links on The Dog Bowl's resouce page - click here.