PET SITTER CONSULTATION

The first thing you should do is call each one. Ask them a few questions about their services and explain your situation. If you are comfortable with the phone conversation, then go ahead and set up a pet sitter consultation. If you don’t already have one, ask that a brochure be mailed to you, so that you can look over their services before the visit. Normally, the initial pet sitter consultation is free, but ask first, because some pet sitter’s do charge a small fee to cover the expenses of gas and time.


PREPARING FOR THE PET SITTER CONSULTATION

Before your consultation visit, think about any concerns you have. Check out my tips for Choosing A Pet Sitter for a list of important questions you should ask. If you think of some other questions you may have, I suggest that you start writing them down so you won't forget them.

There are also several things your pet sitter will need to know:

• Location of food and supplies
  
  

• Feeding schedule and amount, along with any treats
  
  

• Favorite toys
  
  

• Favorite hiding places
  
  

• Favorite exercise – things your pet likes to do
  
  

• Any unusual behavior traits
  
  

• Any medications required along with dosage and schedule
  
  

• Tactics your pets may use to try and escape out the door
  
  

• Location of cleaning supplies
  
  

• Disposal instructions for garbage and litter
  
  

• Your veterinarians name and number
  
  

• Phone numbers where you can be reached in case of emergency
  

Watch how the sitter interacts with your pets. Even if you have a cat or dog that doesn’t take to strangers or possibly even hides, you should still be able to get a feel on how reliable and concerned the sitter is.


THE CONTRACT

If you and the pet sitter both feel that this is a good match, then you will probably be asked to complete a short contract. The contract is in place to protect both the client and sitter. It also acts as the sitter’s authorization to enter your home so that they can care for your pets.

Contracts can vary greatly, but most of them will ask for the following information:

• Your name and address
  
  
• Pet names and descriptions
  
  
• Veterinary information
  
  
• Phone numbers where you can be reached
  
  
• Dates you are leaving and returning
  
  
• Dates services are required and number of visits per day
  
  
• Any special instructions or other services you may require
  

It will usually also contain terms and agreements for:

• Rates and payment requirements
  
  
• Your authorization to seek emergency veterinary care
  

YOUR KEY

This is also the time when you should give the pet sitter your key and make sure that it works. Many pet sitters do charge a key pick-up and drop-off fee so you may want to consider having the sitter keep your key permanently for future visits instead of having them return the key after each appointment. This service is usually free, and comes in handy if you ever need to leave on short notice.


AFTER THE CONSULTATION

If the consultation is more than a week before you leave, it is a good idea to contact the sitter just to make sure there is no confusion over the dates. You should also feel comfortable calling the sitter if you have additional questions or if you have thought of something the sitter should know. When you leave, take your sitter’s number with you in case you want to check on your pets or in case you need to change your return dates.


ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

You have done your research and found a someone you feel comfortable with. The pet sitter will pamper your pets while you are away. This is your time for a little rest and relaxation and you deserve it. Enjoy your trip and have fun, knowing that your pets are safe and happy at home.

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