How to Prepare for an Elk Grove Pet Sitter
You’ve booked your flights, hotel and rental car so now it’s time to find the perfect Elk Grove pet sitter so your pet can stay at home while you are away. In order to find the perfect Elk Grove pet sitter, you’ll need to do a bit of work including conducting an interview, checking references, and making sure the sitter is licensed, bonded and insured, and LOVES pets. However, there are some additional steps you should also take to help ensure your pet will receive the best care possible.
Schedule Early
Most good Elk Grove pet sitters book appointments far in advance. Make reservations as early as possible to guarantee a spot for your pet’s care. If your schedule changes, alert your pet sitter as soon as possible so additional care can be scheduled if necessary.
Meet & Greet
Good Elk Grove pet sitters will insist on a meet & greet to ensure your pet has had an opportunity to meet the sitter before your vacation. If your pet sitter doesn’t ask for a meet & greet, time to find a new sitter. During the meet & greet you will want to give your sitter your pet schedule, feeding and medication instructions. If possible, have the sitter take your dog for a walk so that your pet and sitter get accustomed to each other, or bond for a few minutes with your cat or other pets.
Pet Care Information and Supplies
Place everything your sitter will need in one specific place so that your sitter doesn’t have to search for necessary items. This includes food & treats (including a can opener, utensil to mix/chop food and scoop for measuring dry fare), extra food, medications (with clearly written instructions), leash and collar/harness, paper towels and cleaning supplies, broom/dust pan or vacuum cleaner, plastic bags for waste disposal, litter and scooper, and potty pads if used. Clearly write out and review with your pet sitter any special instructions you want them to follow.
Thermostat
Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature for your pet. Leave instructions on how to adjust the temperature on your thermostat in case of a power-outage or show the pet sitter during the meet & greet.
Pet Proof Your Home
Pets can be more inquisitive and bored when they are left alone and get into mischief. Put toilet lids down, close cupboards and closets, store medications, perfumes, loose small objects and household cleansers away and out of your pet’s reach.
Alarms, Off-limit Areas, Home Access
Make sure you close off the rooms and let the sitter know if there are areas are to be kept off-limits to your pets. Close and lock doors, including garage, patio doors and windows before you leave. Use timers to control indoor lights so your pet’s day/night schedule is similar to when you are at home. Check to make sure gates and fences are closed and locked.
Visitor List
If you live in an apartment or gated community, advise and authorize security that your pet sitter will be visiting and, if appropriate, let your neighbors know too. Also let the sitter know about gardeners, pool or house maintenance providers who might also be on the premises in your absence. If you plan to have friends, family or someone else also checking on your house and pets, let the sitter know. At Karla’s Pet Care, LLC, we do not share pet sitting jobs with anyone.
In Case of Emergency
Your pet sitter should have information about where to take your pet in case of a health emergency. You should also notify your veterinarian in writing that a sitter will be watching your pet and authorize the veterinarian to provide medical care during your absence if necessary. If there is a natural disaster and your sitter needs to remove your pet from your premises, have a pet emergency kit available and a pet carrier too.
Prepare Your Elk Grove Pet Sitter
Preparation is the key to make sure your pet sitter has all of the information they need to properly care for your pet while you are away. If they don’t have to search around for your pet supplies and instructions, they will have more time to spend giving love and attention to your pet.
If you are ready to talk to Karla’s Pet Care, LLC about taking care of your pets while you are gone, contact us. We will be happy to setup a meet & greet to meet you and your pets.