Do you need to be out of town without your pet? For many owners, this can be a source of significant stress. Choosing who to trust with your beloved furry friend is a big responsibility, and most families narrow it down to two options: overnight pet sitting or asking a friend for help. While both may be viable options, you may not realize just how much more an overnight pet sitter can offer.
Pet sitters mix experience, skill, and time to create an environment that is much more pleasing for your pet than a few visits from a friend. The reliability and security of a sitter is worth the investment for most pet owners.
Here are the biggest benefits you may not have yet considered.
Consistent Care
A friend might be willing to help with your pets, but a pet sitter offers professional services dedicated to your pet’s specific needs and schedule. Pet sitters choose that line of work specifically because they love animals. They will arrive at the same time every day and offer exactly the care you request.
Your pet will not be left alone and anxious overnight; they will have a companion to keep them safe, engaged, and happy. This companionship can both improve your animal’s health and reduce unwanted behavior, such as anxiety-driven licking or destruction of your property, such as your furniture.
Preparation for Emergencies
A visiting friend might not know what to do in case of an emergency. For example, a pet that needs urgent attention may require a visit to a specialty vet or ER, and pet sitters are immediately familiar with the options should a dangerous situation occur. While your friend is still looking up the best place to go or the right thing to do, your overnight sitter can already be addressing the situation.
One of the most common examples is with pets that need medication. If your dog is having a blood sugar crisis, overnight pet sitters can utilize their training to administer insulin properly using an injection. If your pet needs CPR, a certified sitter can provide it.
Medical Knowledge
Related to emergency care, qualified overnight pet sitters are trained to address immediate risks to your pet. It is unlikely that your friends will know how to do pet CPR, but a sitter does! They also have experience providing medication, including injectables such as insulin. Rest assured that your furry friend is getting the best care when you choose a reputable overnight sitter.
Better Mental and Physical Health
If your pet is left alone overnight or visited only briefly, they may not be getting the exercise and engagement they need and deserve. An overnight pet sitter stays right in your home, where any time can be playtime. This arrangement means your animal can stay active and secure while you are gone. No more anxiety or depression while they have the whole house to themselves.
Home Security
One of the most overlooked aspects of being away for multiple days is the risk it poses to your home. If your friend stops by now and again, your home will be left vacant for long stretches. An overnight pet sitter, on the other hand, makes your home a less attractive target to criminals because your house will be clearly occupied while you are away.
Reputable pet sitters go through a screening process, so you can rest assured that the individual entering your home is safe and trustworthy. Sitters take care of your home just as successfully as they care for your pet.
Reliability
Your best friend might be an animal lover, but taking care of pets is (probably) not their job. If you ask a friend to visit your furry friend, you will always have the lingering worry about whether they forgot to show up in the midst of their busy schedule.
Overnight pet sitters, on the other hand, are obligated to arrive; you can rest assured that a sitter will be with your pet every minute you expect them to be. For many owners, this certainty provides significant relief, allowing them to enjoy and focus on their activities away from home.
Availability
What happens if you urgently need to leave town and your friend is not available to watch your pet? Relying on friends means risking not having a sitter when you need one the most. Overnight pet sitters are ready to provide service as soon as you need it, so you can feel confident that your pet will always have an experienced, trustworthy companion, regardless of the schedule you set.
Try an Overnight Pet Sitter to Get the Best Care for Your Pet
If you have an out-of-town trip that does not allow pets, the person you choose to care for your furry friend can make all the difference. Calling a friend might be your first instinct, but there are many reasons why choosing an overnight pet sitter is the best option.
Contact Paw Pals to see how we can care for your pet’s needs, from playtime to medication administration, on a consistent, trustworthy schedule you can rely on. Whether you need overnight care or just a daily walk, we have you covered with our professional, first aid-certified sitters!
