You probably know about dog walkers and pet sitters if you’re a conscientious pet owner. But do you know how to pick them, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for if you were to hire one today?
Whether you’re going on a trip and need someone to remain at your house with your pet, or you just need someone to walk your dog or check in on your house while you’re at work, this article may be useful.
Our dogs’ well-being is dependent on us taking care of it for them. To ensure that our pets receive the best care possible, it is important to do research and use discretion when selecting a pet sitter.
Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of the services offered by dog walkers and pet sitters, as well as details on when each is most useful. You’ll learn what to look for in a reliable dog walker or pet sitter and what details to provide with them to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
What Is a Dog Walker?
You can pay someone to come to your house and walk your dog, and that someone is called a dog walker.
Even more, some dog walkers give on-leash training as an add-on service.
Since the dog walker will already be in your home, you may also ask them to administer any necessary medications and feed or water your pet.
In any case, their primary responsibility will be to take your dog for walks and guarantee that your pet gets sufficient physical activity.
What Is a Pet Sitter?
If you’re looking for someone to come into your home to play with your dogs, that’s the job of a pet sitter, not a dog walker. When you go on a trip, you might need to find a pet sitter.
They will take care of your dog’s needs, including feeding, medicine administration, and companionship. The overnight portion of a pet sitter’s job is typically considered a distinct service.
Your dog can also benefit from having a pet sitter visit your house numerous times each day. There’s a lot more included with the service.
What About Boarding?
Leaving your dog at a kennel while you’re away may be the best option. Puppies and young dogs benefit greatly from the services offered by a boarding facility since they are not socialized to spend extended amounts of time alone.
Boarding gives them access to food, exercise, and a secure environment without giving them the opportunity to destroy your belongings. Many of these places also provide doggie daycare, so your pet can socialize with other canines while you’re at work.
When people go on trips, they often leave their dogs at a boarding facility so that someone can look after them in their absence.
Not all dogs perform well in boarding kennels. Dogs who suffer from anxiety or nervousness may not do well in the boarding environment.
How to Choose a Dog Walker
When it comes to finding a dog walker, you may pick from a wide variety of available services. Dog walking services range from those provided by friends and neighbors to those provided by established businesses. It is critical that you and your dog choose a dog walker and a regimen that works well for both of you.
1. Look at reviews and talk to clients
Find out from previous customers how well your dog walker performs by inquiring about references or reading reviews online.
Do your homework before hiring a dog walker. You should talk to previous clients to be sure your dog will be in good care there. Does the dog anticipate going on walks with them? Have they ever had issues that the dog walker might have helped them avoid?
2. Check qualifications
If you intend to hire a dog walking service, you need make sure that the staff members who will be handling your pet have the proper certifications. While there may not be any formal requirements for dog walkers, those who wish to attract clients should have experience with animals, training with dogs, and knowledge of canine first aid. Additionally, dog walkers should have a canine first aid kit with them whenever they go outside with their dogs.
3. Check insurance
Check that your dog is still insured before entrusting its care to someone else, and if you decide to use a professional dog walking service, be sure they have enough insurance as well.
Third-party liability insurance is required for all dog walking businesses. The maximum number of dogs they can walk at once is specified in their insurance coverage. Insurance may also be required to cover emergency veterinary costs depending on the terms of your agreement.
4. Consider transport facilities if needed
Whenever possible, dog transit should take place in climate-controlled, well-ventilated, and routinely cleaned and sanitized vehicles. Whether you choose to use a properly sized harness or crate/container, your dog’s safety and comfort should be prioritized at all times.
Only for the few times it takes to pick up or drop off the dog can a dog be left in a car without supervision.
5. Go for a test walk
You should have a test walk with the dog walker accompanying your dog before you leave them alone with the walker. Let them ‘take control’ by holding the dog’s leash, directing their attention, etc.
What they do when they meet your dog is a good indicator of whether or not they will be able to walk your dog, especially if your dog is dominant on the leash, anxious, or violent.
You should have a test walk with the dog walker accompanying your dog before you leave them alone with the walker. Let them ‘take control’ by holding the dog’s leash, directing their attention, etc.
What they do when they meet your dog is a good indicator of whether or not they will be able to walk your dog, especially if your dog is dominant on the leash, anxious, or violent.
6. Ask the right questions
You need to make sure your dog walker is competent and informed by asking them a series of questions. You should be aware of:
- What times of the day they will take your dog out?
- Where do they plan on walking your dog?
- Whether they are comfortable handling medical needs?
- What would they do in an emergency?
- How long will the walks be?
- Who will be walking the dog?
- How long have they been walking dogs?
- What are their training methods?
- What types of dogs will your dog be walked with, and how many at a time?
- How do they manage conflict between dogs when out on a walk?
- Do they check all dogs are up to date with vaccinations and flea and worming treatments?
- Do they wipe down your dog after a walk before letting them back into the home?
Information You Should Provide to Your Dog Walker
- Dog age, name, breed, approximate weight, and home address
- History of health problems and contact information of your veterinarian
- Current medication list and dosage instructions if you ask them to administer.
- Foods you allow your pup to eat (people, dog, and treat quantity)
- Any behavioral clues that are helpful for the walker, such as he tends to chase cars, does not like kids, or is aggressive towards poodles
How to Choose a Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter is preferable to boarding your pet in a kennel or cattery because your pet will feel more comfortable being cared for in its own environment.
The selection of a pet sitter is not something to be rushed. Find the ideal one and make sure they’re accessible when you need them by giving yourself plenty of time to think about it well before you plan any vacations.
1. Friends and family
Having someone you know and trust take care of your pet while you’re away is ideal, as your pet will likely feel more at ease in their presence. Pick someone you know who is either a pet lover or who really has a pet.
Make sure anybody you pick is capable of providing the level of care your pet needs. If you have a hyperactive Labrador, for instance, your grandma may not be able to provide the degree of care that your dog requires.
2. Search online
The internet, especially local and regional online forums, is a fantastic resource. The websites of professional pet sitting organizations typically have directories of their members. In order to choose the best person for the job, it is helpful to read internet evaluations and even check out candidates’ Facebook sites.
3. Prepare for the interview
Before conducting a phone or online video interview, take some time to carefully consider the questions you wish to ask potential applicants. Don’t be shy about striking up a lengthy discussion with someone; doing so will allow you to better understand their character and personality. Some questions to ponder are as follows:
The basics
Investigate their amount of knowledge with your pets’ species, how long they’ve been in business, and what they do as a backup if they can’t make it to your place.
Fees
If you can’t afford their services, there’s no use in continuing. You want a qualified professional, so don’t just go with the lowest option.
Services
Find out exactly what they can do for you; for example, do they have experience with medicine administration. Do they hold any credentials or advanced degrees? Is the sitter bonded and insured (to protect you in case of accidents, such if your dog attacks someone else while out on a walk with the sitter)?
It’s also a good idea to test potential hires’ reactions to a couple of dire situations. Do you know what they would do if the air conditioner stopped working on a hot day or if your cat became sick?
4. Get ready for the meet-and-greet
It’s important to meet the potential pet sitter before committing to a date. You may learn more about the individual, develop detailed instructions, and see how they engage with your pet. You may also ask potential candidates to demonstrate their skills with your dog on a trial walk.
You should definitely verify their legitimacy by requesting references, proof of insurance and licensing, and other documentation. Perhaps a check of your criminal history is in order as well.
5. Accept that it might not work out
Even if you do extensive background checks, you could still end up employing the incorrect individual. However, there are certain easy tests you can use to figure out if they’re actually competent in their position.
For example:
- Get your sitter to text or email you images and updates after each visit.
- Use a doorbell camera to see if the sitter shows up at the scheduled times.
- Purchase a GPS tracking device to attach to your dog’s collar and stop worrying about forgetting to take them out for daily walks.
Here are some potential red flags to look for:
- Messes of excrement, urine, or vomit in the house.
- Toys and snacks for your pet that haven’t been touched since you left them for the sitter.
- Failing to give specific accounts of your pet’s actions.
Although it’s always wise to exercise caution when first working with a new person, it’s important to bear in mind that most people who chose pet-sitting as a profession do so because they really like spending time with animals. A sitter can earn both your and your pet’s confidence over time.
Dog Walker vs. Pet Sitter: Making the Right Choice
Do you own more than one dog? Perhaps felines and canines? If that’s the case, it’s possible that hiring a pet sitter may be the best option.
If you’re leaving for the night, a few days, or a longer trip, they’re a must-have. If your dog is OK spending the night alone in the house, there’s no need to pay someone to stay with them.
A pet sitter will visit your home and provide the same loving care that you would for your pet. When they go, your house will seem “lived in” since they opened and closed the curtains.
If you have an elderly or ailing pet that needs to go outdoors more regularly, you should consider hiring a pet sitter even if you don’t work long hours.
When deciding between a dog walker and a pet sitter, the former is preferable since they provide more comprehensive care for your pet than the latter does throughout their visits. This way, you can relax knowing that your dog is getting the care he deserves.
Advantages of hiring a dog walker
- When compared to professional pet sitters, their rates are typically more reasonable.
- You take your pet out for walks and give them plenty of opportunities to use the restroom.
- Dog walkers typically follow a routine, so you can be certain that your pet is receiving the exercise and bathroom breaks it needs without disrupting your day.
Pet sitter advantages
Dog grooming with a personal touch
Your pet will not be lonely since they will receive your undivided attention throughout the day.
You’ll have someone to contact whenever you’re worried about your dog.
In addition to caring after your pets, many pet sitters will also tend to your houseplants, collect your mail, and bring you coffee in the morning.
- Dog grooming with a personal touch
- Your pet will not be lonely since they will receive your undivided attention throughout the day.
- You’ll have someone to contact whenever you’re worried about your dog.
- In addition to caring after your pets, many pet sitters will also tend to your houseplants, collect your mail, and bring you coffee in the morning.