Finding the Right Pet Sitter

When it comes to hiring a pet sitter, how do you choose?

The most common advice is to make sure the sitter is insured and has references, but you may still feel overwhelmed by the large number of pet-sitting services that meet these criteria. Here are some insider tips to help you narrow down the list of candidates:

1. What type of service makes sense for you and your pet? Most sitters offer drop-in visits, meaning they stop at your home one or more times per day. Overnight pet sitters spend the night in your home. If you prefer that your dog stay at the sitter’s home, look for someone who offers boarding.
2. The best way to find someone reliable is to get referrals from others. Ask around among friends and coworkers, or visit online bulletin boards or chat rooms for advice. You can also read pet sitter reviews on the Internet; www.yelp.com and www.angieslist.com are two popular review sites.
3. Don’t be fooled by marketing gimmicks! Many pet sitting services advertise that they’re “licensed,” but there is no professional licensing for pet sitters. They’re probably referring to a standard business license – which most cities require for every business.
4. Since there is no official certification for pet sitters, you must assess a candidate’s experience and professionalism for yourself. Membership in a national pet sitters’ organization like Pet Sitters International is a good start. Most reputable sitters belong to at least one such group, since it’s a requirement for obtaining liability insurance.
5. Our local organization, the East Bay Pet Sitters Association, requires all members to have current insurance and to sign a Code of Conduct. Members also must have all licenses and certifications pertaining to the business, such as the required permit for walking dogs off-leash in the East Bay Regional Parks.
6. If your pets have health problems, look for someone who is familiar with the conditions and their treatment. Many sitters have trained in Pet First Aid/CPR. Some have volunteered with animal shelters/rescue groups, where they’ve received training on common medical problems.

Above all, trust your instincts when choosing a pet sitter. If you get a good feeling after an initial phone call and/or email exchange, make an appointment for you and your pets to meet the candidate. If the person shows patience and affection toward your pets, and they like her in return, chances are you’ve found a good fit!

For a more comprehensive discussion of the subject, visit www.hsus.org.

Tracy Timmer is Chair and Molly Kenefick is Marketing Coordinator for the East Bay Pet Sitters Association. Visit the organization’s website (www.ebpsa.com) for more information and a list of members.

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