PAWS AND REFLECT | Let professionals help you take care of your pets
When you adopt an animal, it is no question that you assume responsibility for its welfare. After all, it is now a member of your family, and it depends on you for meals, veterinary care and, of course, love.
What if you cannot be there at all hours of the day? What if your job requires that you burn out the candlestick and you have no one available to let your dog outside to relieve itself or feed your cat? What if you have mobility issues and cannot get outside yourself?
We often forget that, to our four-legged friends, the sun rises and sets with us. They have no life outside of our home unless we are there to take them. In these instances where you are unable to provide such distraction to your pets from spending yet another entire day laying on the duvet, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter.
Personalized service
Choosing a dog walker or pet sitter is not a task to take lightly. You will need to do research to ensure you are placing your dog or cat in the hands of a professional who is reliable and trustworthy and will be kind to your pets in your place.
You most likely feel enough guilt in knowing they spend most of their day alone; you do not need the added worry of wondering if they are in the hands of someone who will treat them badly.
Word-of-mouth is the best advertising for people in the pet-care business, as most people will refer a reputable dog walker or pet sitter to their acquaintances. It may also be in their best interest to refer a friend, as some companies will attract new clients by offering discounts to existing clients for referrals. You may also find prospective dog walkers or pet sitters on the community bulletin board at your local grocer, pet store or social media website. Your veterinarian or pet groomer can also make recommendations.
The services your pet will require may differ from what others need. Some people need a dog walker to come once daily; some need only two to three times weekly or on random days. When you are hiring a dog walker or pet sitter, take care in clarifying details — after all, this is a family member you are asking a stranger to take care of. Find out how much time will be allotted per visit, how many dogs they walk at once, where they go, will it be around the block or to a dog park. If a dog park is the case, what safety procedures are in place should something go awry with another dog?
These days, a dog walker does not just mean a walk around the neighborhood. Many now offer an array of services, such as taking your pets to a veterinarian appointment if you are unable or transporting them to a grooming appointment. Find out what he or she offers at the interview.
Should you need to hire a pet sitter for a trip during which your pet will be left unattended or even just someone to stop by during the day to feed or have social time with your pet, you want to be absolutely certain you are hiring someone qualified. It is a big step to trust someone to not only watch your furry loved one but also to enter your home without your supervision.
Pet sitters can be a good option over a boarding facility since your pet stays in the environment it knows best and can follow its regular routine. Pet sitters can also take in your mail and newspaper and care for any household plants, which results in your having peace of mind that your home, as well as your pets, are cared for in your absence.
In case of emergency
Now, being a professional with impeccable references does not exclude him or her from having a potential mishap. Before you entrust your dog or cat to a dog walker or pet sitter, you will need to double-check that your pets have current identification tags on their collars and microchip registration information up-to-date in case they get loose.
Also, it is a good idea to alert your veterinarian that someone else will care for your pets during specific dates or will walk your pets on a regular basis and that they have authorization to bring in your pet for care should they need to. Find out if your pet needs any vaccinations updated if they socialize with other animals.
It is also a good idea to stock up on extra food and supplies before your trip so the dog walker or pet sitter does not need to do so in the event you need to be gone longer than originally planned.
Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor or friend, and give their phone numbers to your dog walker or pet sitter in case something comes up in their personal life and they are unable to get to your home to take care of your pet.
Once you find a good fit with someone you like and trust, not only will your pets be happy but you will also be pleased in knowing that they are being cared for by individuals who love them as much as you.
MEGAN L. FOUCH is the office manager at the Madison Park Veterinary Hospital (www.madisonparkvet.com). To comment on this column, write to MPTimes@nwlink.com.