How Do You Find the Right Dog Sitter? A Happy Dog Expert Explains!

Are you planning to go on holiday, have a family get-together for the weekend, or perhaps even a business trip? If so, you might need someone to look after your dog while you’re away.

There are various solutions available today for looking after your pet, and that includes dog-sitter services. But how do you find a dog sitter that will be the right fit for your dog? Do they have to be qualified? How can you check their skills?

Let's find out together how to choose the right dog sitter so that you can leave your dog in complete confidence and safety.

What Is Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting was created to meet a simple need, but one that is in high demand: to have your pet looked after with complete peace of mind that they’ve been suitably cared for in your absence.

Many families now live with a dog. At the same time, our greater mobility means that we're moving house more often and regularly going on trips or travelling. In these situations, it's not always easy to find a trustworthy, experienced person who's available to care for your pet. Finding a dog sitter however provides a solution.

Different Types of Dog-Sitter Services

Today, there are two categories of dog sitters. First, there are those who come to their clients' home to walk and look after the dog. The second are those who have the appropriate structure to look after the dog in their own home.

Home Dog Sitters

If you opt for a home dog sitter, you can be sure that your dog will keep their bearings and daily routine. You can ask your dog sitter to come around once or several times a day to take them out, feed them, change the water in their bowl, and do any other necessary tasks.

Dog Boarding Sitters

If you choose to have your dog looked after at the dog sitter's home, it is possible that your dog will not be the only one being looked after. They may experience group walks, depending on how well the dogs get on with each other. This also means they generally will not be alone, as the dog sitter will be present throughout the period of care.

Are Dog Sitters Safe?

First, it's important to know that dog sitting is subject to regulations. When finding a dog sitter, it is essential to check they comply with the regulations applicable to your location. In some countries, the dog sitter must be insured and qualified, and they must also meet certain health and safety criteria. So, be on the lookout. Don't hesitate to ask your dog sitter to prove that he or she complies with the law and his or her profession.

It will also be useful to check your dog sitter’s skills and training through other people who may have recommended them to you. Similarly, look through internet reviews left by other dog parents who have used their services.

Where to Find a Dog Sitter

Nowadays, it's fairly easy to find a dog sitter on the internet, but here too it's important to check that the website is reliable and that the dog sitter listed is a recognized professional. If you don't want to do your research via the Internet, you can ask your vet or a dog trainer, who will no doubt be able to advise you.

There's also word of mouth, so don't hesitate to ask around. A neighbour, friend or family member may have used a dog sitter around you.

In all cases, the best thing is to be able to meet the dog sitter beforehand. This will enable you to check that the contact is good, both with you and with your pet.

Tips on Choosing the Right Dog Sitter:

As mentioned above, the first advice for finding a dog sitter is to ask to meet them. This will give you the opportunity to ask any questions, to see the premises if your dog is being looked after there, and to check everything is in order from a legal point of view. It will also enable you to see how they interact with your dog.

Next, make sure that your dog sitter has been trained to react to different canine behaviours. What will they do if your dog becomes anxious in your absence, barks, or becomes messy due to stress? Similarly, are they trained in first aid? Do they know how to react in the event of injury, illness, poisoning, and so on?

Questions to Ask a Dog Sitter

Here are a few questions you can ask your dog sitter to understand if they’re the best choice:

• What would you do if my dog barks at passers-by?
• Do you let dogs go off the lead?
• Do you have experience dealing with dogs that do not get along or start to fight? 
• Are you trained in canine first aid?
• Do you train the dogs you look after? What methods do you use for training?
• How do you meet the needs of each dog you are caring for?
• How many dogs do you look after at the same time? How do you ensure each dog has the same amount of attention?

We suggest you put all your questions in writing, even if they seem silly. After all, no question is silly when it comes to the care of your furry family member! This will also ensure you can get answers to all your questions without forgetting any.

What You Should Let Your Dog Sitter Know

Once you’ve found the right dog sitter, it is a good idea to tell them a bit about your dog to ensure they are going to receive the best care while you are away.

Don't hesitate to give your dog sitter a list of your dog's habits, as well as their likes and dislikes. You should also indicate whether your dog has any sensitive areas that should not be stroked, and things to avoid or do with your dog. Don't forget to mention any allergies or health concerns your dog may have, even if they don't require any special care. Similarly, if you use ADAPTIL Calm to help your dog feel settled in different situations, let your dog sitter know ahead of time.

If you feel the need, you can also ask your dog sitter to send you photos, reports after walks, news of the day, and so on. This will reassure you while you're away.

Making the Right Choice

In conclusion, it is preferable to choose a professional dog sitter rather than a private individual who does this for pleasure. You will have extra peace of mind if the dog sitter can react in the event of a problem and has the necessary authorizations to carry out the activity. With that in mind, find a dog sitter who matches your expectations and meets all your requirements—otherwise, you could worry all holiday long!

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