A Pet Owners Life: How to Travel Without Your Pets

Life with pets is fulfilling. They are a part of your family, but unfortunately, they cannot always travel with you like your human family members. Travel does not have to be off the table when you have pets living in your home. Finding a qualified pet sitter makes all the difference.

Determine Your Pet Sitter Needs

Different pet sitters might have different qualifications. If you are the owner of a high-energy dog, you understand that your dog can be a handful. A pet sitter has to be able to give the dog the attention necessary to ward off destructive behaviors. According to experts, high-energy dogs require a job. The pet sitter may need to understand the importance of providing puzzle toys, ample walks and training sessions to keep your pup busy.

If you need to purchase some products that make your pet more comfortable while you’re absent (e.g., toys, a bed, a crate), carefully peruse online reviews to ensure you’re purchasing high-quality items.

Pets with conditions like diabetes require a pet sitter who understands how to provide them medication every day and be able to take note of any changes in behavior or symptoms of high blood sugar. Pets with chronic illness require a pet sitter who has experience with illness.

If you have a pet wary of strangers, seek a sitter who works with animals who may be shy or fearful. In addition, try to build your animal’s confidence before you travel. Respect your animal’s boundaries, and invite calm, nice friendsto help your pet practice his social skills.

Decide Your Pet Care Protocols

Pet sitters will care for your pets according to your standard. If it is critical for your pets to have rain jackets or warm coats for outdoor playtime or walks, make sure the pet sitter knows where to find the apparel and explain how important it is for your animal to stay warm and dry. If you need to purchase any of these items, visit Party Animal Pets for high-quality handcrafted products!

Before your pet sitter arrives, do your best to pet-proof the home in advance. Remove trash, plants and cleaning supplies from the pet’s reach. Your pets may exhibit signs of stress while you are away and may perform behavior they typically do not when you are home. Leave instructions for your pet sitter about each pet’s personality and behavior. The pet sitter needs to identify signs of stress in your pets, such as frequent biting or scratching and changes in eating habits.

Likewise, ensure that the pet sitter has clear instructions on accessing your home. Leave alarm codes, keys, circuit breaker locations, water turn-off locations and important phone numbers for your sitter.

Vet Potential Pet Sitters

Before hiring a pet sitter, you must have confidence in his or her abilities. Interview your sitter ahead of time. Ask questions about his or her experience and knowledge in handling emergencies. Make sure that the sitter can spend ample time with your pets without having obligations that may lead to neglect of your animals.

Make sure you can trust the person you hire. Read testimonials and contact prior clients to discover more about the sitter. Consider how much you can trust another person staying in your home while you are away. If you have to question a sitter’s intentions or assume that someone might let you down, it could lead to paranoia on your end. Work through your trust issues before allowing another person to stay in your home.

Pursuing traveling does not have to be off-limits when you have pets. Vetting a professional pet sitter allows your pets to feel less stressed and remain in the comfort of their home with a person who understands their needs.