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Pet Sitters |
Petsitters perform a valuable service for those of us who must travel and be away from our beloved pets. As with children, when you entrust your pet and your home to someone else, you are going to want to know they are dependable and reliable. There are two accrediting organizations for pet sitters, NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) and PSI (Pet Sitters International). Both of these organizations offer pet-sitter accreditation to those who demonstrate professional experience, complete pet-care-related home study courses, attend professional conferences, and abide by a code of ethics set by the organizations. As with any prospective employee - especially one who will be entering your home and taking care of your precious pets, it is wise to check qualifications and references of any prospective pet sitter. Questions you might ask include:
1. Is pet sitter bonded to
protect against theft?
2. Does pet sitter carry and have written proof of commercial
liability insurance?
3. Does the pet sitter have a backup plan in case of emergency,
where he or she cannot perform contracted
services while you are away?
4. When applicable, is the pet sitter trained to administer
medications?
5. Is the pet sitter trained in emergency first aid?
6. Will the pet sitter provide services such as in-home grooming,
dog walking, dog training and play
time? Is there an additional fee for these services?
7. Will there be a written contract covering fees, services,
and specified times the
petsitter will be with your pet?
8. Will the petsitter provide you with references and phone
numbers?
9. Most important - interview prospective pet sitters at your
home, or the place where your pet will stay.
Observe how the prospective pet sitter interacts with your
pets and their reaction.
REMEMBER
It is important that your
pets are comfortable with anyone caring for them, especially
for extended periods of time.
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