Tips on Dog Sitting

Finding a Pet Sitter

• Before hiring someone to watch over your dog be sure to check their references. Consider the amount of experience, quality of work, and the breeds of dogs they are experienced with. Inquire about their experience with dogs that have medical needs if your dog has any.

  Ensure the dog sitter you choose is available seven days a week and can conform to your pet's feeding and exercise schedule. Find out if the company or individual has a plan in place should an emergency occur that interferes with them providing your dog service.

  Have the dog sitter meet your dog before your departure. This meeting can demonstrate the dog sitter's level of comfort and experience with dogs. This is also a great time for the sitter to get to know your dog's unique personality. The dog sitter can prepare for mishaps better if they know how your dog behaves.

Preparation

• Before you leave your dog with a sitter you need to prepare your dog, home and sitter. Stock your house with the items the dog sitter will need: dog food, medication (if applicable), treats, leash, collar, trash bags for excrement during walks and safe toys.

  Tell your dog sitter exactly what you expect. If you leave the rules vague and assume they will handle the dog the same way as you, you are setting yourself up for a bad experience. Lay out rules for when the sitter is allowed in your home, if they are allowed to have visitors, use of your household items, and how you will make the payment for service.

  Leave instructions for your pet's daily routine. Describe your dog's feeding schedule, the amount of food and treats allotted per day, when you walk your dog, where you walk your dog, how much exercise your dog needs per day, any neighborhood pets to avoid, and any medication that will need to be administered. The more detail you leave the better. Leave your contact information with the dog sitter and obtain their contact information as well.

  Call a week before you are scheduled to leave to confirm the service.

  Leave a written note that allows your dog to receive emergency medical care in your absence. This allows the dog sitter to get your dog urgent care if the need arises. Be sure to leave your veterinarian's phone number and address for the dog sitter.

While You're Gone

• Call the dog sitter to check in on your dog. Don't call every day or worry yourself sick over your dog. If you did all the preparation work and picked a good dog sitter your pet is having a great time with their new friend.