Tips on Dogsitting
Whether you are looking for a dogsitting service or you are the person providing this service to others, there are some general tips that can be helpful in either situation. Sitting for a dog is a lot like babysitting a child, in the fact you are responsible for providing the best care to a family's loved one.
- Ask for references and history. For pet owners, this is necessary and should never be overlooked. If you are the dogsitter, you should also ask about the dog's history, including its health and if there is a history of aggression or biting.
- Have an initial meeting. This is a good idea to practice for both dogsitters and pet owners. Before the actual dogsitting date, it is best to set up an initial meeting to ensure your pet and dogsitter will get along. This is also a good time to talk about any concerns, expectations and the pet's likes or dislikes.
- Stock up on necessities. Make sure there are plenty of food, treats, medications if required and any other items needed for the dog. In most cases, this will be the owner's responsibility if they have their pet on a strict diet.
- Phone numbers. Make sure contact numbers are exchanged between the pet owner and dogsitter, and any emergency phone numbers for vets or vet clinics or hospitals are also provided.
- Make a to-do list. This can be done by the owner or by the dogsitter before the owner departs. Write down feeding times and plan out an entertainment schedule including play, exercise and down time. If the dog is taking medications, be sure to write down when and how often to administer them.
- Make yourself available. If the dogsitter should need to get a hold of you, or vice versa, keep your phone on and with you at all times, just in case. Making yourself available to one another is in the best interest of the pet.