Hiring a Pet Sitter

So, you want to go away for the weekend or on a vacation, but you can’t take your beloved Standard Poodle with your, what do you do?

Instead of considering hiring a Pet Sitter, you either board your Poodle in a kennel, ask a friend or relative to come to your house and feed your dog, or have your dog stay at a friend or relative’s house.

This isn’t really the best solution for your Standard Poodle! Your Poodle will be much happier, healthier and less stressed in its own environment and familiar routine. Also, friends and relatives don’t always have the proper experience to care for your Poodle properly.

Entrusting your Poodle to a professional, qualified Pet Sitter ensures your Poodle, as well as your home will be well taken care of, and you’ll have peace of mind to be able to enjoy your vacation or time away from home.

Good Sitters offer much more than just feeding your Poodle while you are away. Besides offering company for your dog, they provide services like walking your dog, playing with your dog and administering medications. Sometimes they do other things like bringing in the mail and newspapers, running errands, taking out the trash, watering plants, adjusting shades and lighting and making the home looked lived in.

Qualities to Look for in a Pet Sitter

Finding a qualified Sitter requires a little homework on your part. Just because someone advertises themselves as a qualified Pet Sitter doesn’t make them one. You need to make sure they are reputable and reliable. Following the recommendations below should give you peace of mind in choosing a reliable Sitter:

• Be sure the Sitter or company has commercial liability insurance to cover any accidents and negligence
• Be sure they are bonded to protect against theft
• Ask what kind of training the sitter has received
• Does the Sitter take notes and ask questions about your Poodle’s food, medication, medical conditions, routines, likes, dislikes, fears, favorite toys?
• Do they have a backup if they become ill or have car trouble?
• What other services does the Sitter offer besides just feeding your Standard Poodle?
• Does the Sitter provide a contract explaining all the services provided and fees charged?
• Make sure the Pet Sitter provides references that you can contact.

Once you’ve narrowed down your prospective Sitters by a screening process, invite each one to your home to see how they relate and interact with your Poodle. Does your Poodle and the Sitter seem to click and feel comfortable together? If not, continue interviewing until you feel you have a good fit!

Now that you’ve found one that you like, arrange for another visit to see if they know how to handle your Poodle, such as taking your Poodle for a walk. If you feel comfortable with how your Poodle is handled, you can arrange to have the Sitter take care of your Poodle for a short time, like over the weekend. This way, you can work out any problems before you leave your dog for a longer time.

Finding a Pet Sitter

There are several resources available for finding a reliable Pet Sitter, one of them being personal referrals from family members or friends. You can also check with your veterinarian, groomer, daycare, humane society or dog trainer.

You can also check your local Yellow Pages under “Pet Sitting Services” or do a search online. You can check with your local affiliate of Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) for a professional Pet Sitter in your area.

Help Your Pet Sitter Care For Your Poodle

The most professional Pet Sitter cannot care for your Poodle property unless they have the proper information and tools to do their job. It is your responsibility to make sure they have everything they need before you leave on your trip. Here are the things you need to provide:

• Be sure to make your reservations with the Sitter well in advance, especially during the holiday season.
• Be sure your Poodle has become familiar with the Pet Sitter and is comfortable with being handled by the Sitter.
• Instruct your Sitter on your Poodle’s daily routine, sleeping arrangements, rooms that are off limits and favorite toys.
• Have all your Poodle’s shots up to date.
• Have a collar with identification tags on your Poodle.
• Make sure you have plenty of your dog’s food and favorite treats available in a specific place.
• Leave clear instructions on giving your pet any medications and inform the Sitter of any medical condition your Poodle has.
• Make sure your Sitter has your vet’s phone number and address in case of an emergency.
• Leave phone numbers where you can be contacted while you are away.
• Let your Sitter know where the cleaning supplies are in case of an accident.
• Leave a key with a neighbor or close relative and make sure they have each others phone numbers.
• Show you Sitter where your fuse box is and how to operate any security equipment or lighting.
• Alert your Sitter to any secret places that your Poodle likes to hide!

Before You Leave On Your Trip

• Make sure all doors, windows and outside gates are locked.
• Clean all dirty dishes and get rid of any food that might spoil.
• Make sure you Poodle’s bedding and kennel are clean.
• Leave a radio on to keep your Poodle company.
• Have your lights on an automatic timer or ask your Sitter to turn them on and off and adjust the blinds.
• Don’t leave any harmful chemicals lying around.
• Adjust your thermostat so the house is comfortable for your Poodle.
• Let your neighbors know you are having a Pet Sitter coming to your house.
• Make sure your Poodle is inside before you leave.

Now that you’ve taken all the appropriate steps to make sure your Poodle is well taken care of while you are gone, go ahead and have a wonderful time on your trip!

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