Even though we love our pets like family, sometimes we can’t take them with us wherever we go, especially on business trips or outings where they’re not welcome. More people are hiring professional pet sitters for their precious pooches and cuddly kitty cats as an alternative to more traditional methods like boarding facilities and kennels.
While some pet owners will resort to using friends or family members to look after their animals during an absence, a professional service can be better for a variety of reasons. Here are eight ways that a pet care professional will benefit both you and your animal:
#1 - HOME SWEET HOME
You know that feeling you get when you come back from a long trip and you return to your own house, while you’re away from home, your dog can have the same type of comfort of sleeping in his own bed. He’ll also be in familiar surroundings, his diet won’t change and routine can remain very similar to your own care.
#2 - ADDED FEATURES
Most professional pet sitters will offer extra services at no additional cost, things like grooming your pet, checking your mail and bringing in newspapers so that burglars won’t think you’re away from home. They could also water your plants and take care of other minor household chores.
#3 - LESS GUILT
Your friends, family members and neighbors won’t be burdened with looking after your pet during your absence. Even though they may say that they don’t mind, caring for a beloved pet can be a tremendous responsibility.
#4 - MORE MEDICAL
Most professional pet sitting agencies offer some form of training or education in relation to minor medical care for animals. This includes how to administer medications or insulin shots for animals that may have medical issues like diabetes. They’re also trained on recognizing symptoms that could be problematic for animals and knowing the difference between a situation that can be treated with simple first aid or when it’s necessary to seek treatment from a veterinarian.
#5 - A BACKUP PLAN
Often when people have friends or family look after their pet, there is no plan in case of unforeseen circumstances, anything from car trouble to an accident or injury. On the other hand, agencies are prepared to expect the unexpected and still have other caregivers at their disposal.
# 6 - AVAILABILITY
Professional services have more availability than people who have changing work schedules, vacation times, social calendars and other duties. Pet sitting agencies are in the business of caring for your animal and this is their one and only, primary responsibility.
#7 - INSURANCE
Pet care professionals are licensed, bonded and insured in the off chance that something happens while you’re away from home. This type of coverage will keep you safe in the event of an accident or theft and will be able to reimburse you for other types of losses that could occur during your absence.
#8 - THE RIGHT FIT
Check out this infographic that shows tips on finding the right professional caretaker for your pet. A little bit of research and spending a little bit more money on their care when you need to be away from home can give you tremendous peace of mind.
