by Linda Hayes

Whether you have considered using a professional pet sitter before or not, you should realise that there are many benefits to choosing a professional over a friend or neighbour. Think of it this way, you pet is a family member, they’re a treasured friend and you want somebody adequately experienced to make sure they are happy and content during your time away. With the cost of pet insurance these days and the potential heart ache if something were to go wrong, you should really consider how valuable the services of a professional sitter can be.

The benefits for your pet as a ward

As well as the peace of mind you’ll feel from employing a professional, you’ll soon see it is much more convenient. Additionally, there are benefits for both you and your pets. Firstly, let’s look at things from your pets’ point of view. Employing a professional pet sitter means your pet is able to stay at home in their own secure and familiar environment instead of being dropped into the unknown at a friend or neighbour’s home. This can reduce risk of accidents and anxiety as they are in an environment which is completely normal for them, despite the appearance of a new face. Secondly, as your pet is being cared for from home, they can follow their usual routine regarding meal times and exercise routine. It can be less stressful for your dog to be walked by a stranger if they’re in an area which they know well. Thirdly, a pet sitter working from your home will have much more luck generating fun play time with your pet than if they’re shipped out to strangers who are less familiar. Professional pet sitters are trained to work with your pet and look after them properly, meaning they can ensure any dietary and medical essentials are met and they are trained to remain calm in an emergency. These are just a few of the many benefits, for your pet, of employing a professional to care for them when you can’t.

The service you receive as a customer

Now, let’s look more closely at the benefits for you as an owner. Firstly, you can worry less about your pet whilst you’re away. Leaving your pet with a friend or neighbour can create unnecessary stress and anxiety as you don’t know if they’d be able to handle an emergency or if your pet would be comfortable with them. A professional pet sitter is thoroughly trained to be able to deal with any circumstance which may crop up and keep you fully informed. Even better, if you have scheduled grooming or vet appointments for your pet, most sitters will be more than willing to carry these out for you. Another benefit of using a pet sitter is the removal of the tricky process of transporting your pet to your friend’s home and disrupting their routine, which can cause significant upset, is some breeds of dog for example. Similarly, with a professional being paid for the service of looking after your pet, you don’t need to worry about imposing on your former informal pet sitters, who may have been saying yes but not really wanting to take on the challenge.

There is one more hidden benefit of employing a pet sitter whilst you’re away working full time or perhaps on holiday and that’s security. With a pet sitter visiting once a day as a minimum, you can be safe in the knowledge that your home will appear much more secure than if you left it shut up all day every day. Similarly, a pet sitter is usually more than willing to bring in your post, sign for deliveries if they’re there and even water your house plants, if you ask nicely!

Of course, finding the right pet sitter is a long process and needs to be taken very seriously. You need to find a sitter who your pet is comfortable with and somebody you trust to look after them. If you have a particularly anxious animal, it may be worthwhile introducing them to your favourite sitter a number of times whilst you’re there before leaving them along together. These are just a few points to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right pet sitter for yourself and your pets. 

Author Name: Linda Hayes

Website: http://www.quotezone.co.uk/pet-insurance.htm

Bio:
Linda Hayes is a true animal lover from London, England. As a travelling freelancer she unfortunately has to occasionally leave her animals behind, which include a parrot, two dogs and three cats – and that’s not to mention the kids.