Tips on Selecting the Right Pet Care Provider for You

For our inaugural blog article, we’re focusing on how to select the best pet care provider for you and your family. Now you might say…wait a minute…aren’t YOU a pet care provider? Well yes, good observation, but I’m realistic enough to know that I might not be the only pet care provider you work with. Through my relationships with clients over the years I have learned many pet parents work with several pet care providers to either service different needs, or to have as back up in case their favorite sitter is booked. I have worked with many other pet care providers, while most have been great experiences – some not so much. Fun fact - I was inspired to pet sit due to a bad experience I had, I knew I could do better! And I want to provide information to help make sure you are choosing the best care for your family. Sometimes finding a pet care provider can feel like online dating, you might have a few “icky” experiences before finding your perfect match, but hopefully these tips reduce your chances of having any bad experiences!

You of course want to find reputable, professional care takers for your pets, but not every pet care provider is going to fit everyone’s needs (and that’s ok!). Here’s a few good questions to ask and things to think about when meeting a potential new pet sitter/walker:

• Do you provide a Meet and Greet?

  • Meet and Greets are so important to make sure a pet care provider is mutually a good fit, and how they get along and interact with your pet(s). Most companies and sitters will offer a free Meet and Greet for at least 30 minutes, or some charge a small fee that can be credited to a future booking. Be leery of companies that charge and don’t provide a credit. Most bullet points below can be addressed at the Meet and Greet, so that if you find its not a great fit you do not need to move forward. And that is ok! Any reputable organization is going to understand if you want to look elsewhere or have any concerns. They want the best care for your pets too! Pro tip – don’t book any services until after the Meet and Greet, to avoid an awkward cancellation if you don’t think its going to be a good match.

• Are you insured?

  • ANY pet care provider you work with – whether a large business or your friend’s friend’s nephew – need to be insured if they are taking care of your pet(s). It is not worth the risk and liability if something were to happen. And verbal agreements just don’t cut it. If there’s one place to not cut a corner or say “oh I’m sure it’ll be fine”, its here! Any insured pet care provider will gladly show you proof of coverage if you ask.

• Provider to pet ratio.

  • Most in-home pet sitters will not be watching other people's pets when doing overnight sitting. But its always best to ask just to be sure. And when hiring a walker its definitely important to see if they walk your pup individually or if they walk several together. If you are choosing a boarding facility, make sure to see in person where your pet(s) will sleep, eat, play, etc as many times it will be with multiple other animals. Make sure they have a policy for separating dogs via size, temperament, etc. And if you have a reactive dog, that they will provide some 1 on1 time and attention with your pup.

• Can you provide 2-3 references?

  • If you are interacting with a “new to you” person or business, asking for references is always a good idea. If the pet care provider cannot provide at least 2, if not more, references or acts stunned you would ask for such a thing, it might not be the best idea to move forward.

• Stance on dog and human interactions outside the home.

  • This might be a different answer for everyone. Do you prefer your dog never interacts with any other animal or human while in someone else’s care? Or do you actually prefer large group pack walks or dog park play to keep your pooch entertained and socialized while you are away? This is a very personal decision but its important for you to make it clear to your pet care provider what you want for your pet(s) and what their policies are.

• Do you have experience providing medication?

  • Even if your pet(s) do not currently take any medication, its always good to know for future situations. If your dog needs an insulin shot, or if your cat takes a daily pill, its best to have someone with experience who you know will do it correctly. I have a friend with a horror story about their cat not getting medication. The “sitter” was lying about pilling the cat and throwing the pills away because it was “too hard” to get the cat to take them. Seriously. This stuff happens.

• Where will my pet sleep?

  • (Sometimes) controversial opinion – I LOVE when my client’s pet(s) like to snuggle at night. It makes me feel safe and I love knowing I'm providing companionship and bonding to the pet(s). However, not all pet sitters will allow your pet in the bed, and sometimes for good reason (try snuggling with a 100 pound German Shephard in a twin sized bed). And not all pet parents want their pet(s) in the bed, which I totally get and adhere to their instructions! The point is, if that is important to you, make sure your pet care provider is on the same page. It might seem like a small detail, but to a few of my clients it is a dealbreaker. And consider if you want your pet boarded or at your home. That might make a big difference to your pet (or not!). Kennels are also an option but might be stressful if your pet is not used to being around other animals or not having any human interaction at night.

• Communication.

  • How often do you communicate pet updates? How many pictures can I expect? Via what method (text, email, pet app)? All important questions to ask and make sure you’re all on the same page. For overnight sits 1-2 updates a day is fairly standard. And most dog walkers will send a picture and quick update after a walk or drop in.

• How long will my pet be alone?

  • Every pet has different needs when it comes to companionship, meal times, potty frequency, etc. Its important to have a very open and clear conversation between you and your potential pet care provider about your pet(s) needs to make sure the sitter can accommodate those needs.

And finally, where can I find reputable pet care providers? Great places to start are with your current sitter/walker (many pet care professionals network with each other and like to provide referrals for any business they cannot take on!), ask around your favorite local pet boutique or doggy spa, your vet office might have some great recommendations, and you can also check out pet sitting professional organizations like National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Certified Pet Expert. Another great pet care provider I work with and recommend in the Lakeview/Uptown/Lincoln Park areas is The Amazing Paw. They do training too. Check them out!