How To Hire An Excellent Pet Sitter & Dog Walker

Hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to care for your furry and feathered family can seem daunting at first. I'm sure you wonder how can I find a pet sitter that I trust in my home alone with my pets and my possessions. 
When you are looking for that special person, you must do a little homework. I recommend calling 3-5 pet sitting services to begin with. You can find excellent pet sitters through Pet Sitters International (PSI) . www.petsit.com  PSI has standards of excellence for their members. The members are insured and bonded and pay annual dues that are large enough to ensure that the pet sitter is a serious pet sitter. The Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau are also great places to find reputable sitters.
Once you have your list of sitters that you are interested in, call them. Ask questions. Are they insured and bonded? Are they willing to provide you with copies of their credentials to review? Does the company run background checks on their staff? Does the sitter want to learn as much as possible about your pets? Is she courteous, interested and well informed? Does the service have backup in case the sitter is sick?  Once you have narrowed down your list to a couple of sitters that you like, ask if the sitter will meet you and your pets for a get acquainted visit. It's okay to interview several of the services over a few days. This is a great way to compare and not be locked in with a sitter that you might not feel comfortable with. 
At your "Get-Acquainted" visit the sitter should provide written literature describing services, policies & fees along with copies of insurance and bonding. The sitter should also have a service contract for you to review that protects you and the sitter.
Does the sitter show a positive attitude during your initial meeting that seems comfortable and competent in dealing with your pets? Are your pets comfortable with her?
Now you are ready to choose a pet sitter. If all of the questions above are true and you and your pets  personally like a particular sitter, you have probably found an excellent pet care provider.

To Review:

• Check and Locate Pet Sitting Services through Pet Sitters International, your local Chamber of Commerce & the  BBB
• Bonded & Insured
• Written Literature
• Contract
• Competent
• Comfortable with your pets

What a comfort it will be to go on vacation knowing that your pets are being cared for in a loving environment in their own home or knowing your pet is safe and happy with the dog walker.

Purrs & Wags To You!


Compliments of West Valley Pet Sitting, Inc
Surprise Arizona
Serving Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, Arizona
Daily Visits, Dog Walking, Vacation Care
www.westvalleypetsitting.com

Why Hire A Pet Sitter 101

You have booked your flight, you have made reservations for your hotel and rental car. As you sit at your computer content in the knowledge that all the details are finally done and all you have to do is pack, you absently scratch Fido's head and dream of palm trees. 
Hold on a second here, what did I forget, you ask yourself. Again you mentally check off all the details of the trip and then it comes to you. Who is going to watch Fido?  Uh oh. The options are kenneling, having the neighbor check in or maybe a relative. This will cause inevitable stress on Fido. Travel trauma, Health concerns, exposure to other animals, diet and exercise routines are interrupted to name just a few of the concerns that are now flashing through your mind. Let me suggest to you that a professional pet sitter is what you need. Your pet stays in their familiar and secure surroundings where all the smells, sights and sounds are the same. The pets customary diet and routines are followed. No Travel trauma in a vehicle to a relatives home or boarding/kennel facility to upset your pet. There will be minimal exposure to illness or other animals. Most Importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.

The advantages to you are:  you won't be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet and you don't have to impose on a friend or relative or neighbor to care for your pet. Instead, you can rely on a pet care professional who will put your pet's needs first. Your home is more secure by the crime deterrent services provided by most pet sitting services. While you are away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands. Pet sitters provide special services such as watering plants, bringing in the mail & newspapers along with alternating lights. Your home will have a lived in look while you are away and the pets will be safe and happy.

Contacting a pet care professional is now on your list. 
How to Hire A Professional Pet Sitter.....Coming soon      

Compliments of West Valley Pet Sitting, Inc.   www.westvalleypetsitting.com
Surprise Arizona
Serving Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, Arizona
Daily Visits, Dog Walking, Vacation Care