Preparing for a Pet Sitter: Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation

Taking a vacation can quickly turn stressful when you have to leave your pet behind. Hiring a pet sitter is an excellent way to ensure that your furry friend is taken care of while you’re away. To make sure everything goes smoothly, here are some tips on how to prepare for a pet sitter before taking a trip, courtesy of LifeGetsEasy.

Locating and Screening Candidates

The first step in preparing for a pet sitter is finding the right candidate. Some great options can be friends and family because you already have a great relationship with them. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential candidates, be sure to vet them thoroughly by asking questions about their experience and references. Some Great questions to ask them

• Are you fearful of pets?
• Do you have any concerns about sitting for this particular pet?
• How experienced are you in taking care of this pet?
• Have you ever worked as a pet sitter before?

 These questions will help ensure that your pet is in good hands while you’re away.

Leaving your pet at home vs Taking them with you on vacation

We all love our pets; they often hold a special place in our hearts and can be considered our best friends. It's only natural to want to take them along wherever we go. However, there are instances where this may not be the most ideal or cost-effective choice. Nowadays, many establishments such as car rentals, hotels, and Airbnb accommodations have started implementing pet fees due to concerns related to cleaning and potential damages. Pets, unfortunately, can have periods where they become more prone to teething and shedding, which can create additional challenges and unexpected expenses during your vacation. Moreover, leaving your pet somewhere and worrying about their feeding and care needs while you're trying to enjoy your time away can be a cause of concern. These are just a few reasons why it might be more beneficial to consider leaving your pet at home rather than bringing them with you on vacation.

Creating Pet Care Procedures

Establishing clear protocols with the pet sitter beforehand can help make sure that everyone knows what to expect while you’re gone. This includes things like walking schedules, feeding times, potty breaks, and other instructions related to caring for your pet while you’re away. The more detailed the protocols are, the better prepared both parties will be during this transition period.

Have Necessary Products on Hand

Make sure you have some essential products on hand to facilitate your pet sitter's job. For instance, investing in an escape-proof harness will help keep your dog safe during walks. Look for a harness that offers comfort, durability, and adjustability for the perfect fit. Another helpful product is leaving your sitter with some of your pet's favorite treats. This fosters a positive relationship between the sitter and your pet, especially when the sitter knows what delights your pet. Additionally, consider purchasing an automatic pet food dispenser that opens at specific times for your pet's meals. These devices are ideal as they automatically open the lid once a set time limit is reached, allowing your pet to enjoy their meal hassle-free. LifeGetsEasy offers a wonderful smart product that ensures any pet can easily access their meal!

Maintaining Home Security

It’s important to make sure your home is secure while you’re away so that both you and your pet feel safe when returning home from vacation. Consider investing in smart locks or security cameras so that you can monitor any activity remotely if needed. Additionally, always keep valuable items locked up or hidden away from view, so they don’t become targets of theft should someone break into your home while you’re gone.

Staying in Touch While You're Away

Having a pet sitter is a great way to make sure your furry friend is taken care of while you are away. It is important to establish clear communication with the sitter before departing, including having an emergency contact number and check-ins while you are away. This will provide peace of mind and ensure that any issues can be addressed quickly and smoothly.

Ensuring a Smooth Handover

To facilitate a smooth handover, we recommend introducing your selected pet sitter to both yourself and your furry companion several days before your departure. This allows everyone involved to become acquainted and comfortable with one another before any significant changes occur. It is also beneficial to review all established protocols once again with the caregiver during this period, ensuring everyone is aligned on expectations. This includes discussing the best times for walks that suit your pet's routine, the preferred mealtime for your pet, their favorite treats, and beloved toys. By doing so, you can ensure a seamless transition when it's time for you to leave.

 Conclusion

Thank you for joining us on this journey of preparing your pet for a sitter. We hope that the tips and insights we've shared have been valuable to you and your furry companion. Remember, a well-prepared pet leads to a happy and stress-free experience for both the sitter and your pet.

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer an exclusive discount code, "Summer23" as a special thank you for being loyal readers of our blog. This code can be used throughout our store to receive a discount on any products and services throughout the summer season. Make sure to take advantage of this limited-time offer and provide your pet with the care they deserve.

We'll continue to bring you helpful and informative content to support you in providing the best care for your beloved pets. Stay tuned for more engaging articles and practical tips on pet care, travel, training, and much more.

Image via Pexels

Summer shopping is made easy with LifeGetsEasy. Shop your favorite Pet  Accessories today Here!