Let’s be honest, anybody can walk a dog or look after a cat, but you want a peace of mind knowing you are hiring someone that isn’t doing the job because of the money, but because there is a real enjoyment spending time with animals. Especially knowing they will be looking after your baby every day and they will also have access to your home. We had gone through two walkers before we found the perfect one.

Where do I find them and what to look for?  You can ask a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, animal rescue organization, or dog trainer for a referral.  Choosing the right caregiver is important, not only for your dog but you too. Here is a checklist you can use when hiring any pet sitter:

{UNO} Is the business licensed and bonded?

If a dog walker or pet sitter is responsible enough to have obtained insurance and bonding, they’re usually going to be trustworthy because it means they are serious about what they are doing.  Ask your dog walker to show you documentation of his/her policy.  Make sure all the employees from the Pet Sitter Company you retain are under the insurance coverage.

{DOS} Dog Walker or Pet Sitter experience, references and training

For dog walking services, it’s recommended to find out how many dogs are walked at a time – In the case of a group walk,  ask what the procedure is concerning any behavioral matters during the walk? – Also, inquire about “administrating medicine.” – Is the dog walker experienced? Don’t be afraid to ask for references and call them up the references.

{TRES} Contracts, Forms, and Services

Be specific about your needs and the service you are looking for.   Is it an everyday thing or a few times per week? We suggest taking a look at their website, so you are familiar with the services the company provides.  A good company also will give you a form for you to fill out to understand your specific needs, as well as to obtain contact information and emergency numbers.

{CUATRO} Meet & Greet

It is important for your dog walker to make a visit to your home when you are there. Pay attention to how she or he reacts towards your dog and vice versa? Can you see a person that shows security handling a dog or cat? Does the walker seem genuinely concerned about your dog? Also, this is the opportunity you have to ask as many questions as you have; including the handling of keys to have access to your house to walk the dog or cat sit.

{CINCO} Emergency medical care if you cannot be reached

Emergencies arise at any given time. Make sure the pet sitter or dog walker have a plan of urgency for getting medical attention even if your veterinarian is unavailable. Provide a release form and notify your vet of your arrangement with your dog walker as well. Always inform your dog walker about your dog’s dietary needs.

{SEIS}  Dog Walker or Pet Sitter contact information

A good pet sitter will provide you with their contact information so you can reach them anytime. It includes a phone number, email address, texts, paging services. Nowadays many businesses are involved in Social Media like Facebook and Twitter. That is another way to get a hold of them.

{SIETE} ‘Back-up plan’

If your dog walker is unavailable for a visit, who would he or she send in replacement? Are they under the insurance policy?

Hiring the right dog walker can be a difficult decision and stressful one. Follow these tips to make for an easy search!