When you can’t travel with your pets, knowing that a caring pet sitter is watching them makes your trip more enjoyable. And with these tips, finding a good pet sitter is a breeze!
![Woman cuddling a calico cat in a conservatory](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Finding-A-Pet-Sitter.jpg)
Most people like to travel with their pets. But when your itinerary includes events that aren’t pet-friendly, you might need help caring for your four-legged family members. Finding a good pet sitter could be the ideal solution.
Perhaps you are attending a wedding where four-legged guests would not be appreciated. Or maybe you’re considering taking a guided tour, visiting a museum, or spending the day at an amusement park that doesn’t allow pets. Whether you’re away for a few hours or a few days, these tips will help you find an ideal pet sitter to care for your furry, feathered, or scaly family members.
Find a pet sitter
Many pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, and vacation property owners can recommend pet sitters in their area. So, if you need a pet sitter during your trip, ask the staff when booking your accommodation.
You can also ask your friends or search GoPetFriendly.com for pet guardians. Contact national associations, such as National Association of Pet Guardians And Pet Sitters International is another option. Finally, there are services like Rover.comwhere you can hire a pet sitter from their network.
If you have an exotic pet that requires special care, try contacting a local society or organization for its species. They might be able to offer pet sitting recommendations.
READ MORE ⇒ 6 Affordable Vacation Ideas With Pets
![Close-up of a peach-faced lovebird sitting on a tree branch](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Lovebirds-on-a-Branch.jpeg)
Customer references
Before choosing a sitter, ask for two or three customer references. And don’t forget to call these people! This is the best way to know if these customers are satisfied with the service they received and if their pets appear well cared for while they are away.
Also check online to see if the pet sitting service has reviews on Google, Facebook, or other websites.
![Brindle dog sitting in front of a laptop looking at the screen](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Myles-Working.jpeg)
Ask questions, questions, questions
A professional pet sitter will ask you many questions about your pet. Consider the type of questions they ask, as this indicates their experience caring for your pet’s particular species or breed.
Depending on the number of hours or days you plan to be gone, you should expect questions about your pet’s vaccinations and questions about their behavior and temperament.
When it comes time to ask questions, have a pen and paper handy to take notes and be sure to ask the following questions:
- What is the experience of the goalkeeper?
- What training did they receive?
- If you work with an agency, how are guards selected and trained?
- What activities will the sitter do with your pet? (Walking, feeding, playing, administering medications, etc.)
- Does the guard or agency maintain regular hours? Are they willing to stay beyond these times if they are scheduled in advance?
- How much notice do they need to schedule your pet sitting request?
- What are the prices for the services you request?
- What are the payment methods ?
- Does the sitter have a contingency plan in case they find themselves in an emergency situation and are unable to care for your pet?
- Are they bonded and insured?
Also ask the sitter to email you their contract and review it carefully. It should clearly define what can be expected from the caretaker, including a list of rates for all services to be provided.
![Woman hiking with dog in Saguaro National Park Arizona](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Woman-and-Dog-in-Desert.jpg)
Schedule a quick meeting
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three options, ask if the pet sitters will meet you and your pet for a quick introduction. Always ask to meet in a public place and consider bringing a friend with you.
During the meeting, observe how the pet sitter interacts with your pet. Also note whether your pet seems comfortable with the sitter. Finding a sitter who has some chemistry with your pet will help them feel less anxious while you’re gone.
READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Greeting a Strange Dog
![Man greets two strange dogs for the first time on a beach](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Man-Greeting-Dogs.jpg)
Follow your intuition
When choosing a pet sitter, if it’s not a good fit…it’s not. Don’t be afraid to say it’s not a good fit and keep looking.
Finding the right pet sitter can take time, and that’s okay. You are entrusting this person with one of the most important people in your life!
Once you find the right person, make arrangements to care for your pet. Because good sitters are always booked well in advance.
![Man lying on sofa playing with striped cat](https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Man-Playing-With-Cat.jpeg)
Spending a little time finding a good pet sitter will pay big dividends – for you and your pet! You will have the comfort of knowing that your pet is happy and well cared for while you are away. And your pet will make a new friend that he will enjoy spending time with when you can’t be there.
The post office Tips for Finding a Good Pet Sitter appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.