01/09/2023
With spring and summer travel plans being made, Bernadette Almeida of Pet Sitting Affair in Boise provides one key piece of advice: Don’t wait until the last-minute to select your professional pet sitter.
“I encourage pet parents to begin the search now for a professional pet sitter or dog walker for their spring and summer travels.”
Many pet parents are worry about separation anxiety in pets returning to the office, after being at home with their pet during the pandemic. They plan to hire pet sitters and dog walkers to help combat this problem, so pet parents should get themselves on pet sitters’ schedules as soon as they can.
“It takes time to find the right pet sitter—time for phone interviews, an initial consultation and a check of references—so start your search now,” Almeida advises. “Pet parents owe it to themselves to select a pet sitter they can trust.”
Professional pet sitters and dog walkers have been expanding their service offerings after the pandemic to meet a variety of needs—from deep litterbox cleaning packages to transportation to the vet or groomer. “I have a Pet First Aid Certificate and keep a Pet First Aid Kit in my car. Also I am learning dog massage and offer it as a complimentary service.” she shared.
Professional pet-sitting companies have the insurance, credentials and training to provide peace of mind that hobbyists can’t. “Can you imagine hiring a cheaper pet sitter and find out on the way to the airport they no-showed???? That won’t happen with a professional." Almeida exclaims.
Before hiring a professional pet-sitting or dog-walking company, an initial meeting, a “meet and greet” should be scheduled. This interview allows the pet sitter to meet with you in your home, interact with your pet(s), and discuss needed services and their business policies. Some companies offer this initial consultation at no charge, while others may charge a nominal fee.
*Ask if the company is insured and bonded? Ask for proof of coverage. *Can the pet sitter provide proof of a recent background check demonstrating their clear criminal history? Pet sitters will be able to provide details on the type of background check and screening company used.
*Will the pet sitter provide client references? Professional pet sitters should be able to provide client references upon request. This may include providing the contact information of current clients you can reach out to and/or directing you to verified online reviews of their company.
*Does the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract? A well-written contract outlines the details of the services that will be provided, including dates and amount of time that will be spent with pets, to ensure both you and the pet sitter understand and have agreed upon the services that will be provided. The contract will also document important contact information, company policies, and note the specific care needs of your pets in your household.
*Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter and/or what type of training—such as pet first aid— have they had? It’s important that the pet sitter or dog walker you choose has up to date pet care knowledge.
*Is the pet sitter a member of a professional organization or educational association such as Pet Sitters International. Membership and active participation in an educational/professional association is another sign of a pet-care provider’s commitment to their profession—and membership provides them with access to the most up-to-date educational resources.
Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, with member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 12 other countries.
Searching for a local professional pet sitter or dog walker? Visit Pet Sitters International website www.petsit.com
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Bernadette Almeida has lived in Boise 29 years and owned Pet Sitting Affair for 9 years. She services the entire Treasure Valley. She is active in her church and several business women’s organization.
