Summer Pet Sitting

Summer Pet Sitting

It seems as though I did not have a slow period in pet sitting in Boise this past year. So, I am gearing up for a busy pet sitting summer season here in Boise as families plan vacations and other things that will take them out of town.

For those planning to use a pet sitter this summer, I have the following tips:
-Plan early! Get your pet sitter lined up now! I have bookings as far out as the end of July and early August. Those clients are smart as they have already taken the prime time spots. If you do not already have a pet sitter, make sure you hire a reputable one. Here are some things to ask:
- Does the pet sitter have insurance?
- How long has the pet sitter been in business?
- Does the pet sitter have a back-up plan or other sitters who have access to all client info and schedules should an unforseen emergency come up.
- Will the pet sitter be bringing children along on pet sitting assignments? Many pet sitters with children find they have no other choice but to bring young children along with them on pet sitting assignments as children are home for the summer. Note that although many pet sitters do have insurance against damage to your home or pet caused by their children, they do not have insurance against injury to their child. It is possible that if a child is bit or injured (by pet or in your home), you are liable and your home owner's policy would be covering this. Are you willing to take on that risk? If so, I recommend purchasing an additional umbrella policy for your home. Another thing to consider is that the focus will always be on the children first and then your pets. Therefore, I highly recommend hiring a pet sitter that does not bring children or any other person along with them on the pet sitting visit.
- Does your pet sitter have black-out dates? Find a sitter that has coverage 24x7x365. You do not want to plan a trip and then get bumped due to an emergency or change in summer vacation plans of the sitter.
- Adjust pet's routine to consider hot weather, long time without a person there, etc. ie. keep air conditioning on, no long periods outside, plenty of shade and water for outdoor pets.
- Check references.
- ask for proof of a criminal background check. Many ex-felons go into business for themselves because they cannot find work with traditional employers.
- Ask for the FICO score of your sitter. Money management can be an indication of level of maturity and responsibility.

These are the main things that pertain to summer pet sitting.

Have a great summer!