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When deciding to head out of town for a weekend or planning a longer vacation, one big thing to consider is who will look after your pet while you’re away.
Choosing the right person to care for your pet can give you peace of mind and keep your furry friend happy and safe. If you’re searching for a pet sitter in Newark, you’ll find plenty of options, but not all sitters are the same. It is crucial to ask the right questions before you book, to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone!
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
While having a neighbor or teenager down the street pop in to feed your pet may work in a pinch, a professional pet sitter brings training, reliability, and experience. They know how to handle emergencies, administer medication, and read animal behavior. For a dog that needs regular walks or a cat that gets anxious when left alone, this level of attention is essential.
In Newark and nearby towns like Hockessin, many pet sitters advertise their services, but experience and professionalism vary widely. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to interview sitters and explore their qualifications.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Book
1. What’s Your Experience With Dogs and Cats?
Not all sitters have equal experience with different animals. If you have a large, energetic dog, you’ll want someone comfortable handling strong leash-pullers. If you own a shy cat, you’ll want someone patient enough to coax them out from wherever they’re hiding. Ask for specific examples of past experience with your type of pet.
2. Are You Insured and Bonded?
A trustworthy professional pet sitter will be insured and bonded. This protects both you and them if something goes wrong. It could be anything from a pet injury to accidental property damage, but what matters is that you’re covered. Don’t skip this question. It separates hobby sitters from dedicated professionals. You can even look into the organization which holds their insurance to get more information.
3. How Do You Handle Emergencies?
Illness, injury, or even household issues like a water leak can happen when you’re away. A reliable sitter should have a clear plan: emergency vet contacts, your vet’s number on file, and protocols for urgent situations. They should also be asking for emergency contacts they can reach if they cannot contact you while you’re away.
4. Can You Provide References?
Talking with other pet owners in Newark or Hockessin who have used the sitter you’re considering can give you a sense of their dependability and care style. Positive references are a strong indicator that you can trust them with your dog or cat. Also, check their reviews on their website or social media platforms.
5. What Services Are Included?
Some sitters only offer feeding and litter box changes. Others include walks, playtime, medication administration, or even overnight stays. Clarify exactly what they include, and make sure it matches your pet’s routine.
6. Do You Offer a Meet-and-Greet?
Meeting your potential sitter beforehand is crucial. It gives your pet a chance to warm up to the sitter, and it gives you confidence in their approach. Watch how the sitter interacts with your dog or cat. It often tells you more than words. Are they receptive and making an effort to connect with your pet? This interaction is essential in your decision-making.
Signs of a Great Pet Sitter
Beyond answering your questions, the best pet sitters show genuine affection and patience. You want someone who will ask about your pet’s quirks, feeding schedule, and favorite toys. They will ideally take notes, confirm details, and check in with you while you’re away. Most good sitters use a platform such as petsitterplus.com to keep you updated.
A good sitter doesn’t just keep your pet fed; they make sure your pet feels safe and cared for.
Living in Newark or nearby Hockessin means you will find plenty of sitters serving both communities. Traffic and travel time matter, especially if you’re booking multiple daily visits for a dog that needs regular walks. Luckily, this is where Content Critter comes in! We provide pet sitting and dog walking services in Newark, Delaware and the surrounding areas. We also specialize in exotic animal care, so your unique pets are safe in our hands!
Finding the right pet sitter in Newark takes a little effort up front, but the payoff and peace of mind are huge. By asking thoughtful questions about experience, services, and emergency plans, you will land on someone you trust. Whether you’re a dog lover, a cat parent, or an exotic animal owner, the right sitter keeps your pets comfortable and your mind at ease.
Contact us today to set up regular pet sitting visits, or let us know if you have any questions!
Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Newark, Hockessin, Greenville, Wilmington, Bear and New Castle, DE – Landenberg, Avondale and Kennett Square, PA and parts of Elkton, MD.
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