Taking a vacation or going on a business trip will be much more relaxing or successful if you know your beloved pet is being well cared for in your absence. While dogs and cats can be boarded at the vet, or housed at a kennel or cattery, this can be disruptive and cause stress to some pets - and an unhappy pet equals an unhappy owner. So what is the solution?
Pet sitting! Melbourne, for example, has service facilities dedicated to, among other things, providing care to your pets while you are away from home.
Choosing a pet sitter involves a few considerations. While most home contractors will be there when you are at home, pet sitters are present in your absence - so you need to select a sitter you feel confident is trustworthy and comes well recommended.
Before you settle on a pet sitter, consider the following:
* Are they well recommended?
* Do they have references?
* How long have they been in business?
* Are their fees reasonable?
* What does their service include? Some will only feed and provide fresh water to your pet; others will groom, play, walk, and even water plants and collect mail.
* Do they have insurance? (This protects you, as the owner, against property damage and theft, as well as any injury to or by your pet).
* Do they have a contingency plan in case something unforseen prevents them from seeing to your pet?
*Do they have a vehicle in case of emergency and your pet needing vert attention?
When you have chosen a pet sitter, always provide them with the following:
* Food, food bowls and water bowls, and clear instructions as to what the pet should be fed, how much, and whether treats are allowed. Leave food, can openers, bowls, etc on the bench or somewhere easy for the sitter to find.
* Keys must be given to the sitter, as well as instructions if an alarm is present.
* Litter (for cats, rabbits, etc) and instructions as to how often it should be cleared / changed.
* Medications. Check, if necessary, that the sitter is comfortable giving medications. Precise instructions should be given as to what, how much, and when - as well as which pet, if more than one is present.
* Any behaviour quirks in your pet should be noted so the sitter is aware and prepared.
* Contact details, in case of an emergency.
* Local vet contact details. Leave a cat carrier or dog lead out just in case.
* Walking and grooming instructions.
* Make sure if you have multiple pets that ahead count is done at the end of each visit!
Search online for "
pet sitting Melbourne" and you will see there are a number of pet sitters. The best option can be to choose a business facility that specialises in pet sitting - you will get the best of everything, with experience, and a team to cover in case of emergencies. Doesn't your pet deserve the best?
