Choosing the Right Dog Sitter: Key Qualities

As a pet parent, you want to ensure that your pup is in good hands when you’re away, so choosing the right dog sitter is crucial for your peace of mind and your dog’s well-being. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match. In this article, we’ll cover the key qualities to look for in a dog sitter near you, so you can make an informed decision and find the best possible care for your pup.

Before diving into the qualities to look for, it’s important to first define the responsibilities of a dog sitter. A dog sitter is responsible for providing care and attention to dogs when their owners are away, which includes the following:

• • Provide food and water to the dog at appropriate times
  • Take the dog for regular walks and provide exercise and playtime
  • Ensure the dog’s safety and security at all times
  • Keep the dog’s living area clean and tidy
  • Provide companionship and socialization to the dog
  • Monitor the dog’s behavior and health, and report any concerns to the owner
  • Administer any necessary medications or treatments as directed by the owner

What should I look for in a dog sitter?

1. 1. Experience with Dogs

Your dog sitter should be comfortable with various breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments of dogs and understand their needs, behaviors, and preferences. Ideally, your dog sitter would have experience with your dog’s breed. These experiences could come from owning dogs themselves or working with dogs in a professional setting, such as a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, dog daycare or as a dog walker. Hiring a dog sitter with a lot of experience will help you feel confident that they can handle any unexpected situations that might arise.

2. 2. Dependability

When you’re leaving your dog in someone else’s care, you need to be sure that they are reliable and dependable. A good dog sitter should be available when you need them, show up on time, follow your instructions, and be willing to provide updates and communicate with you throughout the day. You may want to look for a dog sitter near you, who can quickly walk to your home without a commute. If you’re looking for long term dog care, you might ask about their availability throughout the year to ensure that they will be available over holidays or vacations you might be taking.

3. 3. Flexibility

If you have dog sitting needs that vary from day to day, you’ll want a dog sitter who is equally flexible. For instance, you may need them to come to your home for a few hours or for overnight care, if your dog is ill and needs medication administered regularly or if you have a new puppy who isn’t housebroken yet. If you’re primarily hiring a dog sitter as your dog walker, you may need someone who is flexible enough to come only on certain days of the week when you need help. Be sure to discuss your specific needs with potential dog sitters and find someone who is willing to accommodate your schedule.

4. 4. Training and Certifications

While it’s not a requirement for dog sitters to have formal training or certifications, it can be an added bonus. Look for dog sitters who have taken courses or earned certifications in dog behavior, dog training, pet first aid, or other relevant areas. Credentials such as these can indicate that the dog sitter takes their role seriously and has a commitment to providing the best possible care for your pup:

• • Pet Sitters International Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) – This certification requires completion of an online course and passing an exam covering topics such as pet care, health and safety, and business management.

• • National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Certification – This certification requires passing an exam covering topics such as pet health and nutrition, behavior, and business practices.

• • International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) – This organization offers a variety of certifications for dog professionals, including dog sitter certification.

• • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) – While not specific to dog sitting, this certification is highly respected in the dog training community and may demonstrate a dog sitter’s commitment to continued education and professional development.

5. 5. Positive Reviews and Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a good dog sitter is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian. You can also check online reviews from other pet owners who have used the dog sitter’s services. Dog sitter finding websites like UrbanSitter show individual pet sitter profiles with public customer reviews and ratings and have strict trust and safety standards. You can also ask potential dog sitters to provide professional and personal references when you interview them. Always call references and ask lots of questions to probe for any red flags or concerns.