Pet sitting services can vary widely, depending on the specific needs of the pet and the owner. Some pet care providers specialize in offering personalized care, ensuring that pets remain in the comfort of their own homes while their owners are away. This approach helps minimize stress by maintaining pets’ routines and environments.
Tailored Pet Care in Your Home
Many pet owners prefer to keep their pets at home when they travel, as it is less stressful for the animal. Services can be customized to match your pet’s specific needs, ensuring they continue their daily activities while you are away.
Vacation & Extended Care
Some pet care providers focus on caring for pets over longer periods, such as when owners are away for vacations or extended business trips. It’s important to note that not all pet care services offer daily walking or day trips. If you’re considering a service that takes care of pets in their home, make sure they are licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, as required by state regulations.
Types of Visits
Pet sitting services typically offer various types of visits to meet the needs of different pets:
- Multiple hours or half-hour visits: These visits are designed to provide your pets with the attention they need while you’re away.
- Overnight stays: Some pet sitters may offer overnight stays in your home for pets that need additional comfort and care.
For the safety and well-being of your pets, minimum visit requirements may apply. Check the pet sitting policy of the provider for more details.
Exercise & Playtime
Many pets, especially dogs, need regular exercise and play to stay healthy. Pet care providers often include the following:
- Yard playtime or walks: Your pet can enjoy some outdoor time as per their routine.
- Engaging in favorite games: Sitters can interact with your pet through their favorite activities, such as fetch or tug-of-war.
Pet Services Provided
Pet care providers typically offer various essential services, including:
- Cleaning Litter Boxes & Cages: Pet sitters clean and maintain litter boxes for cats, as well as tidy up pet cages for animals such as small mammals or birds.
- Administering Medications: Qualified pet sitters, such as Certified Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians, are trained to administer medications, including pills, liquids, injections, transdermal medications, and subcutaneous fluids.
- Hand-Feeding Birds: Specialized training is often available for hand-feeding birds, particularly those on liquid diets due to age or illness.
- Special Meal Preparation: If your pet requires a specific diet, pet care providers can prepare fresh meals or portion out pre-packaged meals, sometimes for an additional charge.
Additional Home Services
In addition to caring for pets, many pet sitters also provide services to help maintain your home while you’re away:
- Mail & newspaper retrieval: Ensuring your mailbox is clear while you’re gone.
- Garbage & recycling bin management: Sitters can bring your bins to the curb on scheduled pick-up days.
- Watering plants: Light indoor and outdoor watering can help keep your plants healthy, especially during the warmer months.
These services are designed to give pet owners peace of mind while they’re away, knowing their pets and homes are in good hands.