A pet sitter should be trustworthy and have a genuine affection for pets
|
|
You arrange a babysitter for your children while you're away from the home, so why not consider one for your pet?
Pet sitters can come to your home while you're on vacation or during the work day if you work long hours or will be going out after work, said Mary Thumm, owner of Whiskers & Wags Pet Sitting Service LLC in Madison Heights.
Many pet sitters offer a variety of services, but their basic responsibility is to take care of the pet and provide some human interaction while their owners are away.
That means taking the dog outside for exercise and a bathroom break, cleaning the litterbox, taking a walk and feeding them among other related tasks, said Thumm.
Barbara Dorn, owner of Affectionate Pet & Home Sitting in Clarkston, said each animal is an individual and deserves personalized care. She said she really gets to know the pets and enjoys learning about each one.
For example, some people may consider cats to be aloof, but Dorn said cats become very attached to people and crave human companionship.
While it's true that some cats are shy, she said not many can resist a game of peek-a-boo around a corner. Usually their natural curiosity gets the best of them.
In addition to pet care, some sitters may also take care of other needs around the house while the owners are away, such as watering the plants and taking in the mail and newspapers.
It's important to meet with the pet sitter in advance for a consultation. This way you can clearly define job responsibilities and see if you and your pet are comfortable with the person to whom you'll be handing over the keys to your home and entrusting the care of your pet to.
It's during this time that Thumm takes the opportunity to ask a variety of questions about the pet and household, everything from the feeding habits and behavior traits of the pet to what services are needed.
Over the years Thumm has established a regular clientele and said she loves every minute of her job.
She has had some interesting and rewarding experiences along the way. Take, for example, the cat who hissed at her everyday until the last day she was in the home when the cat warmed up to her and wanted attention.
"You form a bond with them," she said.
Depending on the pet sitter, the service extends beyond just cats and dogs. Thumm has sat for fish, guinea pigs, birds and an iguana, while Dorn has been the pet sitter for a variety of animals, including horses and cows.
When looking for a pet sitter, Thumm recommends hiring one that is bonded and insured with references. She also suggested asking if they are a member of an organization such as Pet Sitters International.
Above all, a pet sitter must be trustworthy and have a genuine affection for pets, said Dorn.
