Choosing a Pet Sitter

Pet sitters do much more than provide a pet with food and water while their guardian is away from home.

A good pet sitter also spends quality time with the animal, gives him exercise and knows how to tell if he needs veterinary attention. What's more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as taking in mail and newspapers and watering plants.

But just because someone calls herself a pet sitter doesn't mean she's qualified to do the job.

Why hire a pet sitter?

A pet sitter—a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet—offers both you and your pet many benefits.

Your pet gets:


the environment he knows best.

his regular diet and routine.

relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).

attention while you're away.
You get:


happier friends and neighbors, who aren't burdened with caring for your pet.

the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.

someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away.

someone who will come to your home so you don't have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.

other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.
Where do I find a pet sitter?

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Sitting Services." You can also contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222).

What should I look for?

It's important to learn all you can about a prospective pet sitters' qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:


Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or her employees)?

What training has the pet sitter completed?

Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet—such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?

Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?

What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does she have a backup?

Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training and play time?

Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?

If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?

How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?

Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?
Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods.

How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:


Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.

Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.

Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar.

Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.

Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.

Leave pet food and supplies in one place.

Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.

Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.

Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.
Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.

Why use an In Home Pet Sitter?

Pets are happier & healthier in their own home

Eliminates exposure to other animals, sickness, and parasites

Eliminates inconvenience on relatives, friends and neighbors.

Gives you peace of mind knowing your pet will be cared for by a trained professional who is dedicated, reliable, loving and knowledgeable in pet care.

Regular home visits provide crime-deterrence for your home.

Relieve feelings of guilt for leaving your pet home alone all day.

How Not to Lose Your Pet

Even the most responsible pet owners can lose a pet due to unforeseen circumstances. Try to take every precaution to see that it is safely protected.

1. License: Dogs and cats with a current license tag attached to their collars are held at Animal Services Centers for a full ten days instead of the 3 full working days unlicensed strays are held. The owners are notified by telephone and letter. Keep the county informed of any address or telephone number changes after you have applied for your pet's license.

2. Identification Tag: Although many people are reluctant to assume a loose dog may be lost, a message such as "Help me, I'm lost" with your current telephone number and address on the tag will encourage someone to contact you rather than let it wander to starve, become ill, or get hit by a car.

3. Confinement: There is no better protection for your pet than a fenced yard or enclosed kennel area. Do not let your pet run loose. Loose animals have caused serious auto accidents, harassed/killed livestock and other confined animals, damaged property, and become neighborhood nuisances.

4. Obedience: Many local organizations offer low-cost training classes. A well-trained pet can be a joy for you as well as your neighbors. If you are interested in classes, one of the volunteers will be happy to give you the telephone numbers of organizations in your area.

5. Spay and Neuter: Decrease your animal's urge to wander to find a mate. Spaying and neutering eliminates or reduces the attraction of male animals to the female.

Why Big Paw Pet Care

Get a Real Pet Sitter

Fleas

Fleas:
Normally only adult fleas live on pets, and often they remain there only long enough to feed. Eggs may be laid on the pet, but usually fall off the pet into the environment where conditions are right for them to develop (through a multistage life cycle) into adult fleas. As a result, it is possible to have a substantial flea problem although you have only identified a few or no fleas on your pet. Egg and larval stages can survive in your home all year and in your yard from spring through late fall (all year in warmer climates). Biting and scratching on the lower back, tail, and abdomen are the most common signs of flea infestation and a dermatitis will often flare up in these areas. Flea control involves treatment of the pet and the environment by means of shampoos, sprays, dips, "spot-ons," powders, oral medications, and collars. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate flea prevention/treatment program for your pet. Fleas carry tapeworms, so be sure to have your veterinarian check your pet for these intestinal parasites as well.

Help Your Pet Be Cool This Summer



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It's great to enjoy summer with your pet. But it's also the time when they have the greatest risk of injury and heat-related health problems. So here are some tips on keeping things cool this summer.

Watch For Signs Of Heatstroke. Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold, water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal.


Never Leave Your Pet In a Parked Car. Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 70¯ day, the car temperature can rise above 150¯ in minutes. It's extremely dangerous. And the Number One Cause of heatstroke.

Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date. This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, campgrounds, etc.

Always Provide Plenty Of Fresh Water. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.


Stop External Parasites Before They Bite. Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. See us for a preventive program.


Also Avoid Internal Parasites. Be sure your dog has been heartworm tested and is on preventive.


Watch For Hot Pavement and Beaches. Sensitive paws burn easily.

Find A Cool Spot. For indoor pets, keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkle from a hose is always appreciated.

The Streets Aren't Safe. Don't let your pet roam. Just in case -- make sure your pet is licensed. We see twice as many fight injuries and bite wounds in summer. And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.

The Yard Isn't Always Safe, Either. Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the precautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly-treated yards. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, then contact us.


Brush After Every Heel. Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below.

It's Allergy Season. People sneeze. Pets scratch. Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds. If your pet scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring it in for an exam. We can design a program to help.

Watch The Exercise and Diet. Don't encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. And let them eat less. Overeating can lead to overheating.

Not Every Dog Paddles Well. Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. Don't let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. And, if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog's coat.

Sunburn Is No Day At The Beach. It hurts, Short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.

Bentley

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