Are you a pet owner who needs to go out of town, but you’re not sure what to do with your furry friend? A pet sitter might be just what you need. Having a pet sitter can provide your pet with love, care, and attention while you’re away. However, finding the right pet sitter can be difficult, that’s why you need to learn how to establish a great relationship with your pet sitter.
Why Work with a Local Pet Sitter
The perks of working with a pet sitter near you are the convenience it provides. If you are able to find a pet sitter 5 to 10 minutes away from you, you’re in luck!
Once you have established a good relationship with the pet sitter, having your pet to be taken care of is really simple!
All you need to do is text:
Hey, are you available at XYZ date from morning to evening?
With luck, the pet sitter may be available!
What Should Owners Take Note of
For starters, you may need to ask yourself truthfully:
Is my pet friendly around others?
Having a friendly pet can make the life of a pet sitter a lot easier and most importantly can work long-term together. It’s important to understand your pet and whether it’s comfortable being around others. In some cases, having a muzzle on might be the safer alternative.
Now if you are comfortable having a local pet sitter take care of your little one, here’s what you need to do next.
How to Establish a Great Relationship with Your Pet Sitter
Here are some things you can do to establish a great relationship with your pet sitter:
Communicate Clearly
Communication is key when it comes to building a relationship with your pet sitter. Make sure you communicate your expectations clearly.
Explain what your pet’s routine is, what their likes and dislikes are, and any health issues they might have.
Also, don’t forget to tell your pet sitter how to contact you in case of an emergency. Make sure to create a group chat with at least another close member to watch over your pet in case you are not available.
In most cases, it’s okay to be spamming all the information about your pet. It actually helps the pet sitter understand more about your pet. Having a friendly reminder in between is also good practice during the service itself.
Meet in Person
It’s essential to meet your pet sitter in person before you leave town. This will give you the opportunity to introduce them to your pet, show them around your home, and answer any questions they might have.
In the case for myself where I worked with one of my clients, she was okay with having at least 2 pet daycare sessions with me in order for her pets to be comfortable with me.
It really helps to build trust with your pet and they are less likely to make noise once you leave(you know how some pets would bark or meow non-stop once you leave them).
Leave Detailed Instructions
Even if you’ve communicated everything in person, it’s a good idea to leave detailed instructions for your pet sitter.
Include information about your pet’s feeding schedule, medication, exercise routine, and any other relevant information that helps the sitter understand your pet better.
Here’s an example for you:
- 12 pm lunch make sure to microwave the meal
- Needs to rest after lunch or it might vomit from playing too much
- likes to go for walks at 3 pm right after
- Likes to have more space in between when walking
Before any action, the sitter should be prompted to take photos and share loving memories with you to share their experience with them.
Provide Supplies
Make sure your pet sitter has everything they need to take care of your pet. This includes
- food
- treats
- litter
- toys
- any other supplies your pet might need.
Remember, its okay to provide more so your pet can enjoy the accompany of the sitter.
Check-In
While you’re away, it’s a good idea to check in with your pet sitter from time to time.
A voice note or a video call is an interesting way to interact with your pet. If not, just requesting a photo of the latest update of your pet would be great as well.
This will give you peace of mind and allow you to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Show Your Appreciation
Don’t forget to show your pet sitter how much you appreciate their hard work. You can leave a note, buy them a small gift, or even give them a tip.
How to find a Pet Sitter?
You can easily find a pet sitter with PetBacker.
If you would like to try out the service, here’s $12 on me when you sign up using my referral code, you will get to spend it on finding a pet service near you!
Apart from pet sitting, you can also find other valuable services for your pet such as grooming, taxi, boarding, and walking services. And the best part is that you can book all of these services through the app and the company has a level of insurance in place for your pet. That’s how you know your pet is in safe hands!
How much does a Pet Sitter usually cost
Typically, a 30-minute visit with a pet sitter typically costs $25, as do daily rates of $20 to $30, nightly rates of $45 to $75, and weekly rates of $250 to $375. Also, it depends heavily on the sitter’s reviews. If you are looking for a pet sitter that is experienced with tons of reviews, chances are that the prices there are a bit steeper.
Where can I find a pet sitter near me?
As long as you provide the correct address, a pet service provider will most likely work with you if you are staying nearby. They will also share with you the area that they are living in in order to ensure that the distance is reasonable.
How long does it take to find a service provider?
From my experience and discussing with different pet owners, a service provider that is willing to take up the job will take about 4 to 12 hours to reply.
FAQ
What should I look for in a pet sitter?
Look for someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and has experience with animals. It’s also a good idea to ask for references.
How much should I pay my pet sitter?
It depends on where you live and what services you need. Make sure you discuss the price upfront with your pet sitter.
What if I have an emergency while I’m away?
Make sure your pet sitter knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. You can also provide them with a backup contact.
Can I trust my pet sitter with my keys?
It’s important to trust your pet sitter with your keys. If you’re not comfortable giving them your keys, you can always arrange for a friend or neighbor to let them in.
How can I make sure my pet is safe while I’m away?
Make sure your pet sitter knows about any health issues your pet might have. Also, provide them with emergency contact information and instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.
What if I don’t like my pet sitter?
If you’re not happy with your pet sitter, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s better to find someone else than to leave your pet with someone you’re not comfortable with.
Will it be worth it?
Finding the right pet sitter can be challenging, but it’s worth it.
A professional good pet sitter can handle all your little furball needs. provide your pet with love, care, and attention while you’re away, giving you peace of mind. By following the tips and tricks we’ve provided in this article, you can establish a great relationship with your pet sitter and ensure that your furry friend is in good hands.
So, if you’re planning a trip and need to find a pet sitter, don’t hesitate to start your search today. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find a pet sitter who can provide your pet with the love and care they deserve.
