If you have never used a pet sitter before and have no idea how the Pet Sitter Process works, you’ve come to the right page!
Deciding What You & Your Pet Need
The main facts and questions as a pet owner you need to take into consideration are:
- Where do you live? Does the pet sitter provide service in your area?
- What type & how many pets do you have? Does the pet sitter have experience & care for your type of pet(s)?
- What type of service or care did you have in mind for your pet(s)?
- Does your pet have any special needs such as medication, behavioral issues, or separation anxiety?
- When will you need the pet sitter? Is it during a holiday or peak travel time that may require booking?
There are a couple of types of services for pet owners. All of the pet care services are provided in the pet owner’s home. This reduces stress on the pet by allowing them to remain in their environment and maintain their daily routine.
Note: If you choose a pet care provider that cares for your pet in their home, ensure they are licensed through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The two main types of service are stop-by visits & overnight care. Rates for these services will depend on every pet-sitting service.
Stop by Visits
Pet-Sitter will stop by your home multiple times a day to care for your pet. Most visits are 30 minutes each. During these visits, he/she will provide:
- Food & water
- Playtime with your pet
- Bringing in the mail
- Watering plants
- Cleaning litter boxes or cages
- Administering medication, if needed
Overnight Care
Pet-Sitter will spend the night in your home while you are away. During this time, he/she:
- Follow your pet’s feeding, play, and elimination schedule
- Bring in mail, water plants, and take out the garbage
- Clean litter boxes or cages
- Provide home security by maintaining the appearance of someone being home
- Offer extra companionship for your pet
Most of the time pets are welcome to sleep with pet-sitters if you allow it. He/she can also take dogs on car rides with the owner’s permission. However, they do not stay with your pet 24/7 as they continue the daily routine like you normally would.
Contacting the Pet Sitter
Once you decide what type of pet care service you need, you can contact a pet-sitting service like Shannon’s Pet-Sitting.
Availability
- Phone calls: Most of them are available to call during office hours.
To ensure quality care, they do not overbook. Once you book their services, they may turn away other businesses to accommodate your schedule. They make sure to do their best to help with last-minute booking emergencies, but availability may be limited.
The Consultation
Pet-Sitting services will schedule a complimentary consultation to meet with you and your pet at your home. This allows them to:
- Get familiar with your pet(s) and their environment
- Understand their routine and any special needs
- Review required liability forms
All forms regarding your pet’s care must be provided at the consultation. Make sure to call them for further instruction. At this time, you will also need to provide them with a key.
That’s all there is to it!
Hope this guide helps you to decide