Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Hiring A Cat Sitter San Francisco Way

By Casandra Newton


Finding a responsible person to watch their pet can be easier said than done. However, by hiring an expert cat sitter San Francisco feline fanatics will be able to enjoy their well deserved vacation knowing that their pet is being cared for safe at home. Finding this person can be an easy task if one knows where to look.

Depending on the homeowners needs, they might be able to find a professional who will not only care for their pet, but their home as well. Some of the additional services that might be provided are carrying the mail into the house or watering the plants. There are a couple of advantages to having the pet stay in his or her own environment. Decreasing the amount of stress that the animal has in the absence of the owner as well as someone coming and going in the home so that others do not realize the homeowner is gone are the most noted reasons.

When looking for a new caregiver, it is important not to wait until it is time to leave on the trip. This can be quite stressful for the owner as well as the pet. It can be assumed that the good sitters will have little time in their schedules, so finding someone with plenty of time to spare is a good idea. Checking references and getting to know the person who is being trusted alone in the home is a must.

The veterinarian that cares for the animal would be a good starting point when looking for pet watcher referrals. This is especially true if the pet needs special attention, such as medications. Asking for referrals from friends or the local pet store is also a good idea. It would be advisable to interview several candidates before settling on the one for the job.

The pet owner should ask the potential sitter about their previous pet experiences and request written references. It can be assumed that the sitter would ask about the animal at this time. Such questions would likely concern the eating and play schedule of the cat.

The pet owner should be prepared to give the interviewee some basic information about the cat, such as what, if any, quirks it might have. Important information needed might be if the cat is afraid of strangers or where he or she might hide. This is a time for the owner to let the potential sitter know about their expectations of cleaning the litter box as well as the expectations concerning playtime.

A professional cat caregiver will most likely expect the owner to sign some kind of contract that includes the itemized charges for the services being offered. Some caregivers will expect some kind of payment up front, while others will present a bill to the owner upon their return. During the finalization of the details of the arrangement, the pet owner should provide the phone number of their veterinarian as well as an emergency contact number should there be a problem with either the pet or the home. Notifying the veterinarian that someone else is caring for the pet will allow the sitter to be able to obtain medical care in the absence of the owner if needed.

When searching for a cat sitter San Francisco cat owners need to be diligent in getting and checking the references of the potential caregiver. If they do this, they will be able to relax and enjoy their vacation, knowing that their pet is just fine.




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