Given how much families spend on daycare, schooling, after school activities and of course vacations, hiring a professional pet sitter may seem extravagant, especially when a trusted neighbor will do it for free—and free is certainly hard to argue with. But would you leave your human child with a teenager for a week, or weeks? Exactly, so why take the chance and leave your beloved fur baby with a child?
Sure, we never want to burden another but in this case hiring a professional pet sitter to care for your faithful friend will elevate the stress for both you and your neighbor. Keep in mind many will never share or confess their uneasiness with watching over and caring for another’s pet, especially when it’s a ‘simple’ favor.
When it comes to leaving pets behind, the more pet parents don’t take in to consideration the greater the risk of disaster. Hiring a professional pet sitter ensures you are have someone who will put your pets’ needs before their own. Most professional pet sitters have pets of their own, hence they have selected their job due to their organic love for animals. This genuine love and care is not often found in neighbors, let along developing teenagers. As with any caregiving role, hiring a dedicated professional will give you a security and peace of mind while you are away.
Since 1994, the professional pet-sitting industry has grown to nearly 7,000, collectively providing pet-care services for more than 720,000 households, according to Pet Sitters International. The following are real and honest reasons for hiring a professional pet sitter, verses a neighborhood kid or any unprofessional:
PROS to Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter:
*Professional pet sitters have a commitment to the care of animals; thus, it will be their priority and will remain committed to keeping your pet on its daily food, break and playtime schedule.
*Professionalism = knowledge. A professional pet sitter is better prepared to handle emergency situations and thus, are often a great resource—from the overall care of your pets, to the toys, food and of course, behavioral issues—professionals often have the recommendations needed to aide in bettering your pet’s life.
*A professional pet sitter will often not be rushed and will be happy to provide one-on-one attention to your pet. Such attentiveness is needed to spot an illness or change in behavior or diet. For example, a professional pet sitter with pet first aid training will recognize signs of bloat in a dog, renal failure in a senior cat, shallowing breathing or lethargic or abnormal behavior. Such timely identification and action will save your beloved fur baby from discomfort (and potential death), as well as you heartache and unnecessary vet bills.
*Professional pet sitters are often certified in pet first aid and CPR—again saving you potential heartbreak.
*Just as most subcontractors, pet sitters carry insurance and bonding, thus protecting themselves and you should the unexpected occur.
*A professional pet sitter will want to form a strong bond with your pet. Such a bond will reduce stress and provide your pet with a sense of security, and will prevent any fears or confusion that might be caused by multiple people caring for your pets.
*Hiring a professional is a legally binding contract. Make sure the contract protects the pet sitter, yourself and most importantly, your pets. Simply do not accept a sitter without proper documents…remember your pet’s life is at risk!
CONS to Hiring Neighborhood Kids:
*It’s not part of their daily routine, thus they more likely to forget.
*Face it. Times have changes and today’s teenagers have busy lives. Texting, snapping or Face timing will more than likely take precedence over time with your pet. Be realistic. Their emphasis will be on filling the food, water and making sure they go potty, NOT spending quality time with your pet..
*By the definition of life experience, teenager are less experienced, especially in emergencies, thus a kid is less likely to know notice abnormalities or how to handle an emergency.
*Reality is, their personal problems will take precedence over your dog and they will often forgo arranging alternative care.
*Most teenagers are social by nature and some are prone to peer pressure. So while the kid you’ve watched grow up is a reliable, descent kit, his/her friends may not be.
In the end it may be tempting to save a little cash, especially when leaving for an expensive vacation, by asking or hiring a neighborhood high school student to help, but like any other insurance policy, isn’t your peace of mind worth the extra expense?
With the raise of Uber-like care sites, more and more people are opting to cash in freelance jobs like pet sitting. Just be sure to make your decision is an educated one. Now that you realize family and friends are not your sole option, make sure you hire a reliable, qualified professional pet sitter to care for your beloved pets. As a recap, PSI recommends pet owners ask the following questions of any potential professional pet sitter before hiring:
- Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state?
- Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?
- Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?
- Does the pet sitter provide client references?
- Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
- Has the pet sitter completed PSI's CPPS Program and/or has he or she participated in pet-
care training, such as pet first aid? - Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters
International?
Remember, not all professional pet sitters are created equal, so be cognizant and take your time when hiring a professional. Be sure to have your potential pet sitter over to your home and allow sufficient time for interaction with your pet. This meeting will allow pet sitters to gather all pertinent information regarding their care, needs and schedule, as well as allow you to gauge the sitter’s relatability and comfort level with your pet.
At the end of the day you are hiring a professional to care for a member of your family. Don’t forget to, or simply opt not to, request a contract outlining the range of services as well as policies and procedures. When all else fails, heed the advice of Benjamin Franklin—“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”