PET SITTING BENEFITS
The pet sitting benefits of having your own personal pet sitter often go well beyond the basic care of feeding and watering. You might be surprised at how many problems you can avoid by allowing your pets to remain in the comfort of home. And it's not just your pets that benefit from in-home pet sitting.
PET SITTING BENEFITS FOR YOUR PETS
Less Stress
Just like in people,
stress
affects pets in many ways. Some pets become sick or develop diarrhea, while others can exhibit behavior problems or even symptoms of depression. Often, one of the most stressful situations for a pet is staying in a noisy boarding kennel and the results can last long after your pet returns home. One of the greatest pet sitting benefits is that your pets are allowed to remain in the comfort of their own home where they're most comfortable.
Fewer Changes
A drastic change in your pets' schedule can upset them both emotionally and physically. Sudden schedule changes in feeding can cause digestive problems and altering a pets normal sleeping or exercising routine can affect their ability to rest.
A professional pet sitter can customize a schedule to fit your pets' specific needs. Full care visits are normally scheduled at approximately the same time every day so that your pet can settle into a comfortable routine. A good pet sitter will do their best to keep your pet on the same feeding, sleeping and exercising schedule they have when you are home.
Reduces the Risk of Disease
One of the greatest pet sitting benefits is there is less chance that your pet will get sick.
There is always the risk of disease and infection when your pets stay in a boarding kennel. Probably the most common problem is
kennel cough.
Kennel cough is an airborne infection similar to a cold that is often found in places where several pets are confined together. Although it is rarely life threatening, it can cause you and your pet a lot of discomfort.
Another danger for dogs is the
dog flu or canine influenza virus.
Dogs that are in places where they are in close proximity to each other, are the most susceptible to catching this potentially fatal virus.
Leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter can drastically reduce the risk of infections and parasites.
Lasting Friendship
While some pets are very social and outgoing, most are still more comfortable with people they know and trust. Having the same person look after them when you're away can be very comforting for your pet.
I've also found that one of the unexpected benefits of pet sitting are the life long friendships I have developed with my own pet clients and their owners. For most pet sitter's, the goal is to be someone that you and your pet can count on. That way, instead of dreading your next vacation, your pet may actually look forward to that one-on-one time with his or her special friend.
PET SITTING BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER
Peace of Mind
It is hard to enjoy yourself when you travel if you're constantly worried about leaving your pets behind. Knowing your pets are safe and happy at home with someone you trust can give you peace of mind. You will finally be able to relax and enjoy your time away. And, after all, isn't that what a vacation is for?
Crime Deterrant
When left empty for a period of time, there is always the risk your home could be broken into. With in-home pet care, you also get the added pet sitting benefit of home security services - usally at no additional charge. Just having someone visiting your home on a daily basis can greatly reduce the risk of
thieves and vandals
. For further protection, your pet sitter can adjust lights and curtains, pick up your newspaper and mail and take out your garbage and recyclables to give your home that lived-in look.
No Need To Impose On Friends And Family
Asking your friends and family to care for your pets is not always the most ideal situation. Although they may be happy to help you, it is often just one more task they must fit into their busy day.
A pet sitter's main concern is the care and happiness of your pet. So, you no longer have to wonder if your pet is getting the proper care or feel guilty about bothering anyone.
Travel on Your Schedule
When you leave your pets at a boarding kennel you have to plan your travels around their schedule. Often you will have to drop your pets off the night before you leave. You may also have to leave them an extra night when you return or rush back to pick them up before the kennel closes.
With in-home pet sitting, you can eliminate those frantic, last-minute trips to a kennel. Having a pet sitter allows you to set your own time table, and when you're ready to come home, your pets will be happily waiting for you.
You can even stay away longer if you're having too much fun to come home. Usually with a simple phone call to your sitter, your pets will continue to receive care and attention until you get home.
WHEN A PET SITTER MAY NOT BE A GOOD IDEA
Most pets are much safer and happier when they are allowed to stay at home and the pet sitting benefits are many. However, there are some cases where it would not be a good idea to leave your pets at home alone. If you feel that your pet falls into any of the situations listed below you should probably consider other options for your pets care. It is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before leaving your pets with a sitter.
- If your pet suffers from severe separation anxiety
- If your pet is sick (vomiting or diarrhea)
- If your pet suffers from a disease or condition that requires constant supervision
- If you have a pet that is
aggressive
with strangers (may be a danger for your pet and the sitter)
- A pet that is used to having constant companionship will probably do better with full time care or boarding in a home environment
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