Choosing the right pet sitter to care for your animals while your away can be a
very difficult decision. Reining Cats and Dogs Pet Sitting is pleased to
provide pet owners with a series of questions to ask potential pet sitters to
help in the pet sitter interview process. We encourage you to take some time
early in the selection process to determine the pet sitter best suited for your
situation. We recommend, whether you choose Reining Cats and Dogs Pet
Sitting or not, that you choose a professional pet sitting company that is
licensed, bonded, insured, and pet first aid certified so that you and your pets
do not have to worry during the time you are away from each other.
Choosing the Right Pet Sitter
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Questions to ask a potential pet sitter.
Does the Raleigh pet sitter keep regular office hours?
- A professional pet sitter should have a schedule of office hours. A
larger business may have additional personnel to answer phone calls
or e-mails, but many pet sitters are sole proprietors who use
answering machines to field inquiries.
If you left a message inquiring about services, how soon was it
returned?
- A dependable company will return all calls within 24 hours.
How much notice does the Raleigh pet sitter need in order to
schedule your request for a pet sitter?
- A lot of pet sitters request at least two weeks notice, but may be able
to accommodate an occasional short-notice assignment. Sometimes
there is an additional charge for short-notice assignments.
Does the Raleigh pet sitter have established fees for pet care they
can quote over the phone and/or in company literature?
- A professional pet sitter should have a published list of fees that
cover the most common pet-care requests. Fees for special services
may be worked out on a case-by-case basis. Beware of pet sitters
who don't have a published fee list. Some pet sitters will adjust their
prices based on your demographic.
Is the Raleigh pet sitter bonded and insured?
- This is a must. Ask for proof of coverage.
Does the Raleigh pet sitter meet with you and your pet(s) in advance?
Is there a charge for this in-home meeting?
- Initial interviews allow the pet sitter to meet with you in your home,
interact with your pets and discuss services and business policies.
These visits are highly recommended for both pet owner and pet sitter.
Some pet sitters offer this service at no charge, while others charge a
nominal fee for their time and travel expenses.
How much experience does the Raleigh pet sitter have in caring for
your particular type of pet?
- Experience in caring for special needs pets or unusual types of pets
is helpful if that is what you need. Most pet sitters are animal lovers, but
not all have long term experience or education in animal care. The
owner of Reining Cats and Dogs has a 4 year degree in Equestrian
Studies as well as over 20 years of experience caring for animals.
Does the Raleigh pet sitter use a service contract that spells out
services performed and fees for doing so?
- A well-written contract outlines the details associated with each
service the pet sitter will provide. The contract includes all fees along
with the expected amount of time that will be spent with your pet(s).
This ensures that both you and your pet sitter have agreed on and
understand the level of service being provided in your absence.
How much time does the Raleigh pet sitter spend in your home to
care for your pet(s)?
- The average in-home visit to care for one pet is 30 minutes, but
additional time may be required if you request special services such
as dog walking, playtime, etc., or have a multiple pet household.
Does the Raleigh pet sitter have a Web site?
- Many pet sitters have web sites to communicate with current and
potential clients. It is an excellent way to provide information to pet
owners and to offer the option of e-mail communication between
owners and pet sitters.
What does the Raleigh pet sitter do if medical care is needed for your
pet?
- Arrangements should be made with your veterinarian and/or local
emergency veterinary clinic to allow the pet sitter to seek medical
attention for your pet while you are away.
During the in-home interview, does the Raleigh pet sitter exhibit a
positive attitude and seem comfortable and competent in caring for
your pet(s)?
- A positive attitude goes hand in hand with experience when it comes
to in-home pet care. As a result, you can feel at ease and look forward
to the in-home pet-care a professional pet sitter provides.
How will the Raleigh pet sitter confirm your safe return home for the
care of your pet(s)?
- Your pet sitter should call to confirm that you have returned home at
the expected time or ask that you call to confirm your return.
Will the Raleigh pet sitter provide you with an evaluation or rating
form of their services?
- A service rating form is the hallmark of a professional pet sitter who
wants to ensure client satisfaction.
What are the payment terms?
- Some pet sitters require payment in full for first time customers while
others require a deposit upon reservation and balance paid at the end
of the assignment. There is no industry standard for payment terms, so
be sure you understand in advance the terms of the pet sitting
business you utilize.
When you engage the services of a professional Raleigh pet sitter,
use this list of questions to help evaluate the pet sitter. This ensures
that you can leave your beloved pets with the peace of mind knowing
that they will be well cared for. That’s a win-win-win situation for you,
your pets and your pet sitter.

Reining Cats and Dogs Pet Sitting
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Raleigh, NC