Questions for potential pet sitter

[marciafinn]

I am considering a new job which I would begin the beginning of November. Part of this new job will require some long days I am looking at pet sitting as an option. My family is out of state and my friends all work and wouldn't be able to help during the day. I did a search here to help compile a list of questions to ask when I talk to them. I know some of my BW friends use this service and was wondering if you could help me to make sure I'm not leaving any stone unturned. Some of the things I found to ask are:
1. Bonded & Insured
2. References - do I ask them for these or ask other people. I don't know anyone who uses this service so I wouldn't know who to ask. I was also thinking of asking Mason's vet for his thoughts.
3. I checked the Nat'l Assoc. of Professional Pet Sitters and the ones listed on my local phone book are not listed on the NAPPS web site. Has anyone ever hired someone who isn't?
4. Getting a general feeling for the person when they come to meet Mason & I.
Is there anything I am forgetting? I just want someone to come to the house and let Mason out mid-day and I want to make sure I ask all the right questions to choose the best candidate. Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[cam7867]

Have you considered doggie daycare? I also live in Rhode Island and took our dog to a place in North Attleboro called Animal Care Plus. They were great with Zoey. I was able to drop her off as early as 6:30 am and I'm just about sure that they are open until 7pm.

I also found a woman to watch her while we were away this past weekend. She is a retired vet tech and was just wonderful with Zoey. Not sure if she is doing 'daycare' but I could find out if you want, depending on where you are in Rhode Island. If not, she is a great person to leave your baby with if you take a vacation.

 

[Erica&Riley]

Try looking on the Pet Sitters International website (www.petsit.com). They have some good advice and a directory of pet sitters. A good friend of mine is a pet sitter and a registered member of PSI...she is extremely responsible and dedicated to her job! But, obviously that doesn't go for all other pet sitters. Definitely check out the pet sitter's references!

 

[marciafinn]

Day care isn't an option since it is pretty out of the way and I'd have to be there before 6:30 too. I would actually love to enroll Mason into day care but since there isn't one closer I can't. I am going to check out the petsit.com web site and look for the right questions to ask. Thanks everyone!

 

[Adelle]

When you narrow down the selection have them come over to your house to meet you boxer and watch how they are with your dog, that will also give you a good indication of the sort of person they are and references are key.

You should also ask around locally if you know other dog owners to see if any of them use a pet sitter and your vet may also be able to recommend someone.

We have been using the same pet sitting service for about 2 years now and they have really been great, and make me feel so much better about being gone all day, and it also great on the odd ocassion at the weekend we have to go somewhere without them the pet sitter will come over to let them out/feed them.

Good luck

Adelle

 

[marciafinn]

Thanks for the comments. I have spoken to two in my area and just got the number of a third. The first one won't even pass for a home visit since she told me on the phone, 'I don't take any crap from any of the dogs.' :eek: Well then, I guess that is the way to get the business! :rolleyes: She just didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

The second woman sounded very nice and is bonded & insured with NAPPA, I think that was the acronym she gave me. She will actually take Mason to a person's house which is fenced in for an hour and he'll get to play with other dogs. I think I like that idea since he loves to play with others and it really wears him out.

I am calling the third today so hopefully it is another option just in case something doesn't work out with the second. I am going to the vet Monday for Mason's yearly check up and I'm going to ask their opinion as well.