Comments on: Left behind: Finding a good professional pet sitter

By: Petsitting & Philosophy 101

Petsitting & Philosophy 101 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:30:51 +0000

[...] a bit too close to this whole thing to impart much takeaway wisdom, except to add to my earlier post about finding a good pet sitter: Make sure to stipulate — in writing — exactly when and [...]

By: Kate@Tucson deals

Kate@Tucson deals — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:28:06 +0000

You mention your stress . . . but it almost seemed like it was mentioned in passing. Quite seriously, I can’t have any fun on a trip if I am worried about my animals. Getting a great pet sitter is good for the animal–and vital for the vacationing human!!!

By: Edie

Edie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:03:36 +0000

It’s like training and other jobs related to dogs: People need to be aware that dogs are living creatures that need professional care — when strangers are involved. That is, when it comes to pet sitters, if you have a great support system with family and friends that you trust to care for your dog, I see no reason not to rely on them.

By: Jim (DoggyBytes.ca)

Jim (DoggyBytes.ca) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:39:05 +0000

Making sure your pet sitter and/or dog walker is bonded and inusred AND has a formal arrangement with a veterinarian should one be required, is great advice!

This past summer I did a bit of dog walking, as a contract ~~worker~~ walker. A bond check was required and the company I worked for had insurance under which I was covered, but, there wasn’t much discussion about veterinarians, I would have had to have just found one on my own if one of the dogs had become injured or sick, thankfully that didn’t happen.

When I lived in Vancouver we had a dog walker for our two dogs. She walked our dogs for 3 or 4 years, and it never occured to me then to even ask her if she was bonded, insured and had a formal arrangement with a veterinarian. :/

By: Edie

Edie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:10:05 +0000

Well…shhhh…I’ve left Frankie unattended in hotel rooms every time I traveled with him even though I’ve signed statements swearing I wouldn’t. It’s to relieve the hotel of liability. I know Frankie’s not going to freak out and destroy stuff or attack anyone who might walk in despite the Do Not Enter sign I hang on the door. He just lies on the bed and waits for me to return. But that’s not the case with every dog, so the hotels need to protect themselves.

By: Mary Haight

Mary Haight — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:48:13 +0000

Well, Edie, you sure gave me a head’s up! I’ve never traveled with crate, not for decades anyway, and had no idea that some hotels (maybe most) don’t allow unattended dogs in the room. Nice post to copy to your dog’s online file, thanks.

By: Karen Friesecke

Karen Friesecke — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:07:03 +0000

I’m glad that you found a pet sitter that you trust for Frankie. It is especially tough for you b/c of his insulin shots. I would be a super sleuth checking out pet sitters if I had a special needs pup.

And thanks for the shout out on my post. It does make the phase left behind take on a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?

By: Edie

Edie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:25:47 +0000

Thanks, Kevin. I just met with the new pet sitter that I’m leaving Frankie with, a former vet tech, and I’ve got to say I’m feeling more confident. I mentioned Frankie’s stress, but I suspect I’m more stressed than he is!

By: Kevin Myers

Kevin Myers — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:18:40 +0000

A very good list of things to consider. Even with people scaling back on vacations and travel due to the economy. Many are increasing the amount of weekend jaunts and excursions that they take. Finding a good, reliable pet sitter can make these weekend trips much more stress free and enjoyable.

By: Edie

Edie — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:55:55 +0000

Good points. A lot of hotels that accept pets don’t allow you to leave them unattended in rooms — which is okay if you travel with a crate and can leave your pet in it, but not everyone does. And you’re right, most of the upscale hotels have lists of pet sitters, walkers, vets… you name it.