Top Ten Tips on Finding a Qualified and Professional Pet Sitter

We use DogSmith and they are great!

I am a pet sitter. My specialty is dogs and horses, though I will also take care of cats, feed chickens, whatever else needs doing. I compete in Rally and Obedience with my dog and I trained and showed my own horses for years. As a pet sitter, I as a lot of questions. I want to know the animals' feeding schedules, exactly what they eat, who to call if they get sick, any odd habits they may have, any problems that may occur on the property. As a horse sitter, I have delt with broken water pipes, leaking sprinklers, gates off hinges, injuries, all sorts of things. You want a sitter that is aware and paying attention.

I am also flexible. Last month I took care of three poodles for a week. Initially, we figured two visits a day, which would include one good, long walk either morning or evening. On the first day it was obvious that this would not be enough for the older dog, so I went a third time each day, late in the evening. The poodles were much happier with the extra visit and I was glad to know they were okay. (These are dogs I walk weekly, so I know them, and their owners, well.)

It is also a good idea to look at the sitter's own pets. Are they healthy, well trained and happy? Finally, is there a back-up plan if the sitter gets sick? I, who NEVER get anything, was hit with a really nasty stomach virus on January first. When you are vomiting and passing out, it is pretty hard to drive out to care for a barn full of horses. Fortunately, my husband had gone with me in the past and knew the animals' routines. While I stayed home being cared for by my sheltie, my husband went and fed and cleaned up after three percherons and one very sweet great dane mix. I was on my feet by the next day but if I had not had a substitute it would have been bad.

Caring for others' animals is a big responsibility but I love doing it!