What to Look for When Hiring a Pet Sitter
Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend getaway or an epic extended vacation, making plans for your cat’s care while you’re away is a top priority. Boarding your cat is one option, but if you feel that your furry feline would enjoy a “staycation” at home, you might want to hire a pet sitter.
At Cat Care of Vinings, we know it isn’t easy leaving your pet in the hands of a stranger, so we’ve put together some tips to help you choose wisely when hiring a sitter to care for your cat.
Why Are Pet Sitters Important?
Professional pet sitters provide a vital service for families who can’t travel with their pets and truly feel that their pets would be happiest at home. Some cats have severe anxiety issues and have difficulty adjusting to new surroundings.
But it’s not enough for someone to call themselves a pet sitter. You must still do your own due diligence. Read on for things to look for when choosing a reputable pet sitter.
How to Find the Right Pet Sitter for Your Cat
You want a pet sitter you can trust to care for your cat the way you do. Look for these traits when screening potential pet sitters:
- They belong to an organization like Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. These groups typically do background checks and promote pet sitter safety guidelines to keep the pets and the sitters safe.
- They have a level of experience you are comfortable with. Always ask for references/testimonials, too.
- They are willing to accommodate your pet’s needs, including frequency (and duration) of visits, administration of medication (if necessary), and special instructions for feeding, exercise, or other duties.
- They have a backup plan for the unexpected. What if illness or another emergency prevents your pet sitter from coming to your house? How will your pet receive care?
- They discuss their emergency plan with you. You can help by assembling a “pet sitter safety kit” with animal first aid supplies, veterinarian’s contact information, and number of the nearest veterinary emergency center.
- They provide proof of insurance.
- They are confident and at ease when interacting with your cat. Some pets don’t know a stranger, and some prefer to observe from a safe distance. Is the sitter understanding and respectful of your pet’s individual personality? Watch your cat’s body language for signs that he or she approves!
Additional Tips
Here are some more tips for success:
- Start the interview/screening process far in advance. This is not a decision you want to rush.
- Be honest about your cat’s behavioral issues, such as biting or scratching or unusual litter box habits.
- Discuss your home’s security system and any cameras.
When you’re away, it’s important to make sure your pet is in capable hands. Cat Care of Vinings offers comfortable condominium boarding, and we’re always happy to discuss our accommodations. Contact us at (404) 792-0700.
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Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)