Most sitters begin with a free initial consultation to meet you and your pet. Make sure your pet and the sitter respond positively to each other. Make sure that you get a good feeling from their interactions.

Ask your pet sitters to provide you with references and proof of commercial liability insurance.

If they have employees or use independent contractors they should also provide you with proof of bonding and ask if they have done criminal background checks, and if so, request documentation for anyone who will be entering your home to take care of your pet.

Bonding is not necessary if the business does not have employees; the liability is upon the business owner or owners. Some pet sitters may use independent contractors who are responsible for their own commercial liability insurance.

A good pet sitter should have knowledge on animal care and should have experience with the type of pets that they care for. They should conduct themselves as a professional, and they should take your pet’s care and home needs in writing. They should also get written authorization to employ a lock smith if there is a problem with a lock or a key. A pet sitter should also get your written permission to seek veterinary care for your pet if needed.  

You want a pet sitter who has a thoughtful regard for your pet’s well being and one who takes the time to make sure they have what they need to achieve that in writing.

A good question to ask during the first consultation with a pet sitter is what they do if they experience illness or car trouble. What is their back up plan to make sure your pet is cared for if such an event should occur? This is a good time to establish a contingency plan if there was a natural disaster or inclement weather that would prevent your pet sitter from being able to get to your pet. Give your pet sitter telephone numbers of neighbors or relatives who could make decisions if the pet sitter was unable to contact you.

You should also ask the pet sitter if they will record daily notes of their visits with your pet, notes on your pet’s behavior, condition, and their care routine while you are away. These notes will let you know that the services have been provided and how your pet reacted in your absence.

Discuss service rates and extra fees before the services take place. The number of visits to your home depends on how many visits you request of your sitter. Most pet sitters offer up to three visits a day and some pet sitters offer overnight services. Most pet sitters require payment up front before services are rendered, while others may just leave an invoice on the final service visit. Either way, determine this in the beginning and pay promptly, an unpaid pet sitter is a sure way to be without a pet sitter. Once you find a good pet sitter, you will find they are well worth keeping.

Coming home to a happy, content and relaxed pet is one of the many benefits you will find with having a reliable pet sitter. You will also enjoy the convenience of pet care being a phone call away, and the comfort of knowing that your pet will be well cared for at home where are most familiar and relaxed.

Take the time, ask the questions, and you will find the right pet sitter for you and your pet.

Disclaimer:

Omaha Pet Sitters Association (OPSA) provides a pet sitter locator service as a courtesy to the general public as well as a benefit for our members. OPSA assumes no liability for any business practices of any of its' members. OPSA does, however, require that all members be insured and adhere to the codes of ethics set out by the two national pet sitter associations, PSI and NAPPS. While we expect and encourage our members to provide excellent, caring, honest service that elevates the credibility of the pet sitting industry, OPSA has no authority or control over individual member companies. We do encourage each pet parent to carefully interview and check references of any of any prospective pet sitter and to make very clear to the sitter the pet parent's expectations.