If you are planning to go out of town for a weekend getaway or for a much longer vacation and are not able to take your pet along. The best thing is to ensure that during your absence your pet's stay is enjoyable and easy as much as possible. You can do this by hiring a pet sitter. But before you get one it is better to prepare for a checklist for hiring, so that during your absence your furry pal has the best comfort available. Some of the things that need to be kept in mind include:
Vacation Itinerary
This would include the time and date of your departure and expected arrival.
Contact information
Ensure that you give your cell phone number, hotel information and room number in case you need to be contacted by the person you have hired.
Contact numbers of your immediate family members
There may be a possibility that the pet sitter might not be able to contact you. In such a situation, they should have an emergency contact number of your immediate family members who can take responsible decisions in your absence.
Key & security alarm information
Ensure that you provide requisite information to the pet sitting professional about the security of the house during your absence.
Primary vet information
Include the name of the practice and veterinarian they can contact providing clinic address and phone number.
Emergency vet clinic information
If there is an emergency with your pet after the primary vet's office hours, the pet sitter should have an emergency animal hospital's information which can get the pet treated quickly thereby easing the tension.
Feeding & walking schedule
As a pet owner, you know the feeding and walking schedule of your furry companion. In your absence, this task needs to be done by the person you have hired. Hence, provide him with the requisite information so that he/she can maintain the schedule of the pet in the best possible way.
List of treatments and usage instructions
If your pet is undergoing any treatment specify the instructions so that the treatment can be given on time. This ensures that your pet does not miss out on the dosage in your absence.
List of food & treats
Although you might have made an arrangement of pet food in your absence it is always better to tell the pet sitter where they can procure the pet food in your absence. If your flight gets delayed or due to unforeseen circumstances you are not able to reach home on time, he/she should know where to procure pet food for the furry pal.
List of pet care items
Give the detailed directions about where have you kept different pet care items like the brush, food, cleaning pads, sweater (if it is cold outside) and leash.
Favorite toys
Inform about the favorite toys of the pet so that the pet's mind can be diverted easily.
Dangers Along Walking Route
Always specify if there is an unfriendly pet around in the neighborhood or if a neighbor yells if your pet pees in the yard. By telling them these things you can ensure that the pet sitter knows how to handle the situation if there is a need.
Room and furniture limitations
Provide a list of rooms or furniture that your pet is not allowed in or on.
Visitors
Always inform about the estimated date and time of visitors in the house like a house cleaner, lawn care company or pool person. This is particularly important so that your pet sitter does not think that your house has been broken into.
When your pet is well-cared off during your absence you will have a more enjoyable and carefree trip. The pet sitter will also have an easy time taking care of your pet. So, the next time you decide to go for a vacation without your pet do not forget to prepare a handy checklist for your pet sitter.
I own a dog and regularly procure dog supplies for him. I had a particularly bad experience with one of the pet sitters while I was away for a business assignment. Hence, I decided to research on this topic and came up with useful pointers that I have discussed in this write-up.
