What makes a good pet sitter

[michaelg]

What makes a good pet sitter attitude,price,etc.

[Barefoot]

I'm wondering if you found a dog to rescue yet?

As far as pet sitters go, obviously they must love animals.
For me, the number one quality is reliability.
I would hate to leave town depending on someone to visit and later find out that they couldn't make it.
That is why I would only use someone that has an established backup plan if they become ill or have a personal emergency.

And I would only use a pet sitter that had been recommended to me by someone I trust.

[Patty55]

I have never used a pet sitter. I usually find a way to bring them with me. If you look around you can find pet friendly hotels.

The couple of times I was really stuck I took them to Save A Pet on LI and a pet spa in the Saratoga area.

I've found that works best for me is to bring a "pet nanny" with us.

[Lauren Sweeny]

A good pet sitter ,loves your pet like it was there own.....meaning it gets cuddles,is talked to often, scratches and rubs where it enjoys most, plenty of food and water. Walks in the coolness of the day. Don' t forget playing, cat or dogs need stimulation of some kind or another to keep from boredom.
If it is a parrot or bird it has a clean cage and refreshed water and food. Snakes and reptiles must be handled daily and environment temp constant. Fish and their tanks moderated for temp too! Not to much food to prevent yuck tank. Most of all pet owners must know that someone is watching out for the health and well being of their pet. I make an effort to do all the above .

[Bonny]

It would have to be someone who comes to my home. I could never take my furry baby to someone's house or a pet hotel. I would be scared to death they would get out and not know where they are at. :cry:

[rosygail]

I think the most important quality is reliability! You are trusting that person with the care of your pet. Yes it's great if they love your pet but if they are not going to be reliable and show up every day the outcome isn't good.

[Patty55]

A few years back I lost my two dogs and two cats in a house fire, to me home is just not safe.

[Lauren Sweeny]

You are absolutely right about reliability. All to often here TV we have seen rampant lack of reliability and poor service particularly in yard and service providers!!
Call me old fashioned but I believe that if you commit to a job or agreement you provide the best job or service you can. That means ; arrive on day, time established, follow to the letter the rules and instructions given, clean up after yourself,be mindful of what else may be needed as a result of your actions , ask and give clear, precise discussion of needs, concerns,directions of service( in writing). Ask questions if unsure of any aspect of servers.
Have a plan B agreed upon at the beginning of job. Pay for services ( agreed on before job,in writing) after the job is completed and work is done according to agreed upon instructions.
The above should be the standard for everyone. It is what expect of anyone working for me and what I hold as my personal standard of behavior in all . "Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself"

[CFrance]

The problem is you don't really know what goes on, because you are not there.

My most favorite pet sitter is either of our sons. Otherwise, I want someone to come to our home. The last resort is a place we know and trust for day care that also boards and leaves them out in a play room with other dogs during the day.

[asianthree]

Someone who lives at your house while you are gone

[thelegges]

The village sitter

[OBXNana]

Volunteer at a bed & breakfast or whatever the dog care places are called in your area. Not only do you get first hand knowledge of how the dogs are treated, you're rewarded 100 fold.

[Susan G]

What makes a good pet sitter attitude,price,etc.

1-PROMPT...would you want to "hold it" first thing in the morning?
2-INTERACTION...see how your dog reacts to sitter and how sitter approaches your dog. Trust your dog's instinct
3-TRUSTWORTHY...if sitter is entering your home, are they responsible enough to lock door, turn on/off lights, check for & clean up accidents & maintain the pets schedule and feeding times?
4-BOTTOM LINE....Must LOVE dogs!!!!

Good luck Michael...did you find a pooch to rescue :-)
Susan