While planning to leave your pet with a sitter may be less worrisome (and costly) than dropping them off at a kennel, the process can still be stressful. Finding someone who will give your pet the same love and care you would is a big task! At Happy Dog, we promise excellent care and service from our well-trained, pet-loving staff, but there are a few things you may want to look into as a pet owner on the hunt for the perfect sitter.

1. See if they’re insured and bonded. You’ll know you’re in good hands when the company takes responsibility seriously. By being insured, the company is protected if they’re liable for any accidents or negligence while being bonded ensures they’re protected from any fraudulent or dishonest employee behavior.

2. Make sure they’re flexible and upfront. A great pet sitter is willing to go above and beyond. If they require additional costs for things such as medication administration or charge fees for last-minute scheduling changes, you should be made aware ahead of time. Sitters that offer the best service can accommodate special feeding requests, walks, and of course, extra cuddles.

3. Ensure your pet sitter is experienced. Leaving your beloved pet with someone well-trained is probably the most obvious but most important part of finding a sitter. You’ll want to do a "meet and greet" before to see how the sitter reacts to your pet, ask about their past experiences, and see how knowledgeable they are about all things pet-related. 

4. Check that they’re trustworthy. Reviews are the best way to find a right-fit sitter. Asking friends, neighbors, or even your vet who they work with can make the search easier. You want to completely trust that your pet is well taken care of and that your home will be left as-is. After taking steps to meet your potential sitter and check any references, it’s up to you to decide if they’re best for the job.

5. Look for sitters who are prepared. Accidents happen! An ideal sitter is ready at the drop of a hat. Action plans and contact lists are a must-have when vetting a pet sitter. They should be a step ahead in asking multiple ways to reach you while you’re away, as well as know who and where your preferred vet is. You should feel stress-free when leaving your pet in the care of your sitter.