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The holidays are almost here. If you’re planning a trip in the near future, you’ll need to make accommodations for your pet. A pet sitter can not only take care of your pet’s needs while you’re away but also provide some comfort and companionship. Read on to learn how to prepare for a pet sitter.
Reduce Your Pet’s Stress
While you might be tempted to take your pet to a boarding kennel while you’re on vacation, this may not always be the best idea. It can cause significant stress for your pet because of the new environment, unfamiliar confinement, and strange animals. Some dogs and cats do well in a boarding facility, but for pets who are anxious, very young or old, or have special needs, staying in their familiar environment may be best. In that case, you can hire a pet sitter to come by each day. Your pet may still be somewhat stressed, but the pet sitter will provide regular meals, companionship, and plenty of attention. This can reduce stress and allow you to return home to a happier, healthy pet.
Find the Right Pet Sitter
Of course, you’ll want to find the right pet sitter in the Twin Cities. To hire someone, research online for pet sitters in your area. Be sure to read the reviews and testimonials as well as check to make sure they provide the type of care you will need. Whiskers to Tails Petsitting offers premier pet sitting services to ensure you have peace of mind while we care for your beloved pet.
Set Up for a Pet Sitter
In the days before you leave, set up for your pet sitter so that everything is in place for your pet’s best care. Have a supply of food on hand, make sure you have enough litter/poop bags, and write out feeding and other care instructions. Your pet’s favorite toys, grooming tools, leashes, litter box supplies, and other care items should be easily accessible. You may even want to consider leaving a piece of clothing or a blanket that smells like you out for your pet to help keep them relaxed.
Send your care instructions to the pet sitter (you can also leave a paper copy in your home for further reference). Whiskers to Tails uses a fantastic software that allows you to input all care information right into your secure client portal for easy access.
If you need to purchase some new products, be sure to read reviews from pet experts before you buy. This way you can be confident that your pet is getting the best.
Communicate with Your Pet Sitter
Before you leave, let your pet sitter know how to communicate with you in case of an emergency. With Whiskers to Tails, our software makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your pet sitter. You can communicate directly through the app and you’ll receive service reports with notes and photos after each visit to let you know how your pet is doing.
Be sure leave a list of emergency contacts with your instructions. You can input one emergency contact into your client portal, but having other people available to help in a crisis, such as your regular plumber or furnace company could be useful. Your pet sitter should know the name and number of your pet’s veterinarian and of a friend or relative who can step in to help. Make sure that your emergency contact is someone who will be in town while you are traveling.
Preparation Creates the Best Possible Experience
You can give your pet the best possible experience during your vacation by reducing stress, finding the right pet sitter, setting up thoroughly, and communicating well. You’ll come home to a happy pet. Be sure to contact Whiskers to Tails Petsitting for reliable and compassionate care for your pet!
Guest Author: Linda Robinson is a working mom who dabbles in photography and French cooking in her spare time. She created her website, YouDidYourBest.org, to connect with other parents who work to bring out the best in their kids by encouraging them to chase their dreams and forgiving themselves when they fall short.