Dog sitters are appropriate alternatives for when you have to travel, but don’t want to place your pup in a boarding kennel. Not that there’s anything wrong with kennels, your dog just might not get along with its other dogs or properly adjust to the kennel environment. With a dog sitter, your dog can stay in an environment that it’s used to without having to confront or deal with strange canines, strange rules, or strange procedures. Here’s what you need to know about dog sitters.

Variation of Services

Almost anyone can be a dog sitter. The only real requirement is that they have an affection for dogs and a respect for your rules and home. But that doesn’t mean you should allow anyone to babysit your dog. The ideal dog sitter will be an accredited and professional adult who’s willing to walk and feed your dog a couple of times a day or spend the night.

What You Should Look For

We recommend that you hire a professional pet sitter who’s accredited by either the National Association of Profession Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. Using accredited dog sitters pretty much guarantee that dogs are left in the hands of trained professionals – that is, professionals that have extensive backgrounds and experiences in canine care and behavior.

Before selecting a dog sitter, take the time to make sure that your options are appropriate. Here are a few helpful questions to ask. The answers should help you make the right choice.

1. Are you accredited, licensed, and bonded? You’ll reduce the risk of mishaps if you seek out a sitter who’s knowledgeable in canine behavior, care, health, and nutrition – as well as legally protected.
2. What kind of training and experience do you have? A knowledgeable dog sitter should have experience working with a variety of breeds, ages, temperaments, and health conditions.
3. Do you have any references? References will help you decide whether a particular dog sitter is appropriate for your best friend’s needs.
4. What are your fees? Dog sitters can perform a variety of services, so ask what’s itemized and then ask what each individual service costs. While your dog is under the supervision of a sitter, it should get an opportunity to run/walk, play, access healthy food and fresh water, and relieve herself. If your dog is on medication, your sitter should be capable of administering it – even if it costs extra.
5. How do you handle emergencies? Ask the sitter what he or she would do if a dog gets loose and runs away or gets into a dangerous fight with another canine. That should never happen of course, but you’ll at least understand the sitter’s procedure in the event that it does.