Having a job and owning a new puppy usually means that you won’t be able to spend as much time with him as you would like. As a result, the housebreaking and overall training process becomes harder and takes considerably more time. Accidents will happen while you are at work and it will lead to increased frustration and stress. What about if you want to travel? You can’t leave that little guy home alone and you probably don’t want him to be put into a kennel for the whole time. What’s the answer?
Hire a petsitter.
Petsitters are individuals hired (or asked) to watch your pet. This can be a daily, weekly, monthly, or even a situational relationship. They can be paid or just done as favors. Either way, these people can help you avoid having your pet feel isolated and alone while you are away while also possibly helping in the overall training process.
It is vital that you feel comfortable with your petsitter. Just as you wouldn’t leave your child with a total stranger, you don’t want to leave your puppy with one either.
Start your search by asking family, friends and coworkers if they would be interested in helping out. If not, ask them for recommendations of trustworthy people they know. If you’re still not having luck, try checking the yellow pages to see if you can find a commercial service.
The next step is to create a list of jobs and responsibilities that you will expect the person to do. This could range from simply feeding, exercising, and playing with your puppy all the way to watering your plants and caring for your home. This will largely depend on what your needs are and how long you will be away.
Once you have completed your list, the interviews begin. Ask questions. Spell out your expectations in detail. That’s the only way you’re going to find out if this is the person you want caring for your puppy. In addition, it insures you are getting exactly what you’re paying for.
Always ask for references. It is a good idea to get at least three. Be sure to check them! They won’t do you or your pet any good if you don’t verify them.
Choose a petsitter that offers the services you need, especially if you have a puppy that requires special medications or treatments. If your puppy requires oral medications, a petsitter that is afraid of your pet will not be of much use.
Make sure the petsitter meets your puppy while you are present. If time permits, arrange for the puppy and petsitter to interact as often as possible before leaving them alone. You want to be sure that they are comfortable with each other.
Inquire as to how many other pets the sitter will be watching while working for you. You want to choose one that has adequate time to spend with your puppy. If this is a family, friend, or neighbor, it typically won’t be an issue.
Insurance is another point to consider. The trustworthy neighbor down the street probably won’t have it, but reputable professional sitters should have insurance to cover accidents or theft. It is also a good idea to know what your homeowner’s policy will cover in such a situation.
You shouldn’t be the only one asking questions. A competent petsitter will ask lots of questions too because they will want to know all about your puppy so they can provide the kind of care you expect.
Always leave your petsitter with a list of specific instructions and information about the puppy’s veterinarian. Make sure they have the vet’s telephone number and any emergency information. Not all veterinarians offer 24-hour service. Some areas have emergency pet clinics that take over after normal business hours.
It is a good idea to list feeding and exercise times so the petsitter understands your puppy’s routine. It won’t help your puppy’s training to be on two different schedules. Include a list of medications of necessary. You want to make the transition from you to the petsitter as painless as possible.
Once a petsitter has been chosen, follow through with a backup plan. You need to be prepared for all contingencies. What would happen if your petsitter got sick or quit while you are 3,000 miles away?
Finding the right sitter will give you peace of mind when you leave your puppy at home. Sometimes it takes several experiences until you find the right person to care for your puppy, but the time and trouble of making sure he is safe is well worth it.
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