EDMOND —
Q: The last two times we boarded our dog — a 9-year-old Shih Tzu — she came home with a nasty cough that lasted for two or three weeks. My husband and I are planning a couple of trips in the coming months where we’ll be flying, so we’re thinking of having a pet sitter come to the house to tend “Trinket,” but we don’t know anyone who offers this service. Have you found them to be dependable and how do we find a good one that we can trust? Thanks for any input. — Jerri G.
A: It’s my personal opinion that the rapidly growing vocation of pet sitting offers a large number of advantages for traveling pet owners who, for one reason or other, find it impractical or impossible to bring the family dog along, but want to be certain their furry friend is safe and healthy while they’re away.
An older dog, such as Jerri’s Shih Tzu, is a confirmed creature of habit, and it is critical to her well-being to sleep in her regular bed in its regular spot, to eat the same food, to be comfortable in her normal environment, and have the personal attention that a responsible pet sitter can provide.
In addition to feeding, watering, exercising and interacting with your dog, the owner gets the added security of having someone bring in the mail and newspapers, water plants and vary the lighting arrangement to create a lived-in look, which the police claim is a great deterrent to crime.
Here are a few suggestions for locating and relating to a prospective pet sitter.
• Get recommendations from neighbors, friends, colleagues, your veterinarian and his techs, and pet store employees. Check the local phone directory for pet sitter listings, and if necessary call The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-296-PETS) or Pet Sitters International (323-983-9222) for a local referral — there’s probably one living near you.
• Meet with a potential sitter before your trip. Check to see if their mannerisms and interactions are consistent with what you’d expect in a person who will be your pet’s caregiver the next few days. Your dog’s response will often clue you in.
• Write down detailed information about the duties you expect to be performed and include phone numbers of your veterinarian, friends, neighbors and where you can be reached. List and describe any medications.
• Make sure he or she is licensed, bonded, and has experience and excellent references.
Another option to hiring a visiting pet sitter is to have your pet stay at the home of a friend who just happens to be a pet lover with whom you can exchange pet care services on a relatively equal basis. This works best for dogs — cats usually don’t go for this plan.
The few pet sitters that I have known personally were conscientious and reliable people that I wouldn’t hesitate to call on if necessary.
DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.
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