The holidays are a busy time for many families, and even more so if a beloved pet is part of the equation. As you consider your plans this year, be sure to leave enough time to get your furry friend’s affairs in order, too! Whether you cannot bring them to your destination or you will simply be gone for too long to have them tag along, pet sitting can offer relief.
However, especially around the holidays, finding a pet sitter can be incredibly stressful. It is one of the busiest times of year, so you might be tempted to select the first opportunity you come across.
Here is a guide to making the best pet-sitting choice for the holidays so you can feel confident your beloved animal is safe and happy while you are gone.
The Big Choice: Friends or the Pros?
For most people, the first decision is a big one: whether to hire a sitter or to ask a friend or family member to help. While the latter might save you a bit of money, it comes with many downsides that usually outweigh the pros.
It is unlikely that your friend will have the extensive knowledge of safety and care that a professional can bring. Worse yet, your friend will be busy, too; it is entirely possible a visit might slip their mind! Sticking with professionals can result in a more enjoyable, safer, and more predictable experience for your pet.
What to Look for in a Holiday Pet Sitter
When considering which sitter to trust, it is important to evaluate them thoroughly and honestly. You should be looking at the following:
Experience
Great pet sitters come from teams with years of experience. They should have worked with pets of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments so that your furry friend is no surprise. Their expertise also gives them insight into what might occur that you may not think of, so they can help you plan properly.
Certifications
Think of how much better you will feel if you know that your sitter is pet CPR-certified! A reliable professional will stay up to date on essential skills and certifications to give your pet the safest experience.
Consistency
Pet sitters should always arrive on time and stick to the routine you create. This is great for your dog, as routine breeds comfort and confidence. By staying consistent, your sitter helps reduce your pet’s stress levels so they can relax during your absence and not panic.
Customization
Your pet probably has preferences or maybe even specific needs, such as medication. Look for a pet sitter who provides a fully custom experience. They should listen to your preferences and requests, creating a schedule that addresses your dog’s wants and needs, as well as your own goals.
Other services
Pet sitters should do more than just show up, refill the water bowl, take the dog to potty, and leave. A great pet sitter can also provide additional small services, such as cleaning a litter box, getting the mail, and more. During the holidays, this can be especially important; by turning the lights on and off or switching which lights are on (as well as getting the mail), sitters make your home look lived-in and less like a target for intruders.
Safety Tips Before You Leave
To give your pet sitter the strongest foundation for success, there are a few things you can do, too.
Register/ID your pet
Especially if you have multiple animals under a pet sitter’s care, be sure they are microchipped and wear an ID tag. This way, if the sitter needs to contact the vet or ask a question, they are always sure which pet they are dealing with. Plus, if your animal finds a way out of the home while the sitter is not there (e.g., if you forgot to close a window), they can be recovered.
Provide contact information
The sitter should already have your contact information, but it can be helpful to include emergency contact details for someone else in case you cannot be reached. Also, add your vet’s contact information.
Clean up the home
Before you go, set your pet up for success by keeping the house clean. Store anything dangerous or that you do not want your pet to get into, and pay special attention to toys, collars, and bones.
While toys and bones may be fine while you are present, they could present a choking or ingestion hazard while you are away. Look for and address anything around the house that could potentially hook your dog’s collar between sitter visits.
Give Your Dog a Happy Holiday with Great Pet Sitting
If you are thinking of being out of town during the holidays, start finding a professional pet sitter as soon as possible! The team at Paw Pals is pet CPR-certified and has years of experience caring for animals of all needs, including those that require medication. Contact Paw Pals to get scheduled for the holiday season!
