When looking for a pet sitter in the Hockessin, Newark, Pike Creek or Wilmington Delaware areas, there are a few things you should take into consideration. If you are new to the pet-sitting world, we will help you determine the essential things to look for in a pet sitter. 

 

They Have a Love For Pets

If you are looking for a pet sitter, they have to be an animal lover first. If someone is looking to pet sit for the money it will show. Someone who loves animals will instantly light up once they see your dog or cat! A real animal lover cannot fake the genuine joy that animals bring, so watch how they react when they see your pet. 

 

They Have a Professional Website or Social Media Page

A well put together website is like a business card for any pet sitter. Having a website that clearly explains services and has a good bio of the pet sitters will help put a pet parent’s mind at ease when evaluating whether or not the sitter is qualified. 

Looking at reviews from other pet parents will also help you decide whether or not it would be a good fit. Keep an eye out for comments about whether the sitter arrived on time, how well the sitter took care of their pets, and if any updates were given to parents at the end of the visit. Looking for a Delaware pet sitter? Check out what other content parents have said about our services! 

 

Part-Time or Full-Time Pet Sitters

We get calls all the time from frantic pet owners who tell us their part-time pet sitter backed out of caring for their pets at the last minute. This leaves them scrambling to find someone to care for their pets. Since starting our company in 2008, we have never canceled a client’s booking. The reason is we have professional pet-loving staff, so there is always a backup pet care professional if needed. 

 

Credentials/ Certifications

A good pet sitter should have some accolades behind their name. First, they should be completely certified to pet sit. The PSI (Pet Sitters Association) offers an exam that can be taken for pet-sitting professionals who are serious about their businesses. They understand the importance of established standards of excellence in the pet-sitting industry and are committed to continuing education throughout their careers. Completing the exam will earn candidates the designation of CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®.

Being certified in pet first aid, NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters), and being a fear-free pet-certified professional doesn’t hurt either!

A Good Pet Sitter Will Be Educated 

It is one thing to love animals, but how much do people know about them? We aren’t talking about basic things like taking the dog out for a walk or feeding your cat several meals a day. Your potential pet sitter should understand everything from animal behavior, to nutritional needs. They should also understand how different cat and dog breeds differ from one another. 

Continuing education after initial certifications is a crucial thing to look for as well. Good pet sitters will keep up with the latest pet care tips and tricks to ensure your pet gets top quality care at every visit.

 

Are They Willing To Meet You?

Before you commit to pet sitter services, please ensure that they are willing to meet you first. Having someone come into your home that you don’t know can be nerve-wracking. It is even more scary when you know your pet is at home. Having a meet and greet before services begin will help ease your mind. 

 

Insured and Bonded

Responsible pet sitters will make sure that they are insured and bonded. Things can happen unexpectedly, so having measures in place to keep everyone safe is something a professional pet sitter will do. Someone who takes their pet-sitting business seriously will have formed an LLC to establish their pet-sitting services. 

 

Questions To Ask Your Pet Sitter

If you are still deciding what to ask your pet sitter, we have you covered! We want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not you’re willing to trust someone with your furbaby.

1. How many pets have you cared for previously? 
2. How many years have you been in business?
3. Why would you like to look after my pet in particular?
4. Can I reach you easily while I am away? 
5. Do you have the right amount of time to care for my pet? 
6. Do you have any funny stories from times you’ve spent with animals? 

            (This question is great for getting a feel for their personality!)

 

We hope this blog has helped you understand the critical things to look for in a pet sitter. Our pets mean the world to us, so finding someone who will care for them just like we do is paramount to our peace of mind. Give us a call at (302) 235-PETS or email us at  Claudia@ContentCritter.com for any questions about our services, or if you’re ready for us to start taking care of your pets!