Overnight pet sitting etiquette, the dos and don’ts for pet sitters and owners. having a pet does not mean that you cannot go out of town, whether for leisure or business. Nonetheless, pet owners still feel hesitant when planning vacations because they are not comfortable with leaving their pet in someone else’s care. There is no guarantee that your neighbor, friend, or family member will be able to look after your pet the same way you do. The good news is that there is another option for you to explore; professional pet sitters.
Hiring a professional pet sitter ensures that your pet can receive professional care in your absence, from walk and treats to medical administration. However, you should bear in mind that there are some dos and don’ts to follow, not just for pet sitters, but also for owners, to ensure it is a good experience for everyone involved. You do not want your pet to have a bad experience, while you are away from them. Let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts for Overnight pet sitting etiquette.
For Pet Owners
There are a number of things that pet owners should do and avoid to ensure the pet sitter they hire is able to take care of their pet in the best possible way. These are highlighted below.
Do
Provide the professional pet sitter with emergency contact information. The pet sitter should be able to get in touch with the owner if there is an emergency. Therefore, you need to provide them with multiple forms of contact. Not only should you provide your own contact information, but also share contact details of your pet’s vet. You can mention several veterinarians that the pet sitter can consult if they need the assistance of a professional.
Do
Give instructions to the pet sitter, along with portioned items. It is best to ensure that the sitter has access to everything they may possibly need to take care of your pet during their overnight visit. This includes pre-portioned foods as well as treats they can give. It ensures that your pet is treated the same way as you always do.
Moreover, the pet sitter will not have to bother you constantly to ask about what to feed your pet and when. Providing proper instructions beforehand can save you from this hassle. You should prepare your pet’s medication dosage ahead of time to make it convenient for the sitter to administer. You can also prevent mistakes in this way.
Don’t
Make assumptions about the pet sitter. It is true that they are professionals and will make an effort to get to know your pet and their routine. However, this does not mean they will always have the answer. It is not possible for them to know the habits and quirks your pet may have. It is best to inform your sitter about your pet’s behavior, such as excessive licking, and how they can manage it. No two animals are the same, so it is a good idea to guide your sitter in advance to ensure your pet receives the best care.
Don’t
Leave any vulnerable, or dangerous items. The pet sitter will not be aware of the items your pet is permitted to engage with. You need to pay attention to what you are leaving behind, or let the sitter know about what the pet is allowed to do. If you do not want your pet accessing certain items, it is better to remove them to avoid any issues.
For Pet Sitters
Hiring a professional pet sitter for an Overnight pet sitting etiquette stay provides the greatest benefit, as they bring their experience and knowledge to take care of your pet in your absence. These sitters usually follow good practices during their visit and some of the dos and don’ts they do and should follow include.
Do
Have a meet and greet with the animal. Most overnight sitters ask to meet your pet before you leave for your trip. This gives them the opportunity to understand your pet and also establish some kind of rapport. It helps them in building trust with your furry friend, which can be useful when they come for the overnight visit. It also allows them to watch your pet in action and familiarize themselves with the layout of your home as well as your pet’s behaviors.
Do
Share updates with the pet owner. The best thing about good and professional pet sitters is that they do not leave owners in the dark about what their pets are up to. They can give you scheduled updates, or upon the owner’s request. This means that contact availability is open during their stay. Some may only respond to questions the owner asks about their pet, while others are also open to sharing pictures to show how your pet is doing and to reassure you about their safety.
Do
Make notes about everything that happens during their overnight stay. Professional pet sitters invest themselves in the wellbeing of the animals they care for. Thus, they make an effort to note everything they do. Upon your return, they will report on behaviors they may have noticed during their stay that may require your attention.
Don’t
Take what does not belong to you. Just because a pet sitter is coming to your home for an overnight stay does not mean they are entitled to everything unless you have given them permission. This means they should not use your personal items, such as PCs, or TV, or eat your food.
Don’t
Create a mess. Professional pet sitters aim to leave the space in the same or better condition than it was in. This means taking out the trash and cleaning litter boxes. In addition, they may also give your pet a bath and groom them before you come home, so they can greet you in style.
It is true that trusting someone else with your beloved pet can be quite stressful, but a professional pet sitter ensures that it is a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your pet.