Leaving your beloved pets when you travel can be one of the hardest parts of planning for your trip. Will they be happy and healthy? Will their routine be maintained? More importantly, can you truly trust the person looking after them? These are valid concerns for any pet parent. The good news is that house sitting offers a wonderful solution, allowing your furry family members to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. But the key to a stress-free experience for you lies in finding the perfect match; a house sitter who is not just good with animals but genuinely trustworthy and caring. So, how do you find that ideal person for your pet?
What to look for in a House Sitter:
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- Experience with specific animals: Does your sitter have experience with dogs, cats, birds, or even more unique pets? Ask their comfort level and past experience with animals similar to yours. If your cat is older and has health issues, are they able to administer medication? If your pup is young and a bit lively, will they be equipped to handle any behavioural challenges? And if your dog requires long walks, is the sitter fit and keen enough to take them on daily adventures?
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- References and reviews: A reliable house sitter will have a history of positive experiences. Always ask for references from previous homeowners and check online reviews on house sitting platforms. Don’t hesitate to phone any referees if they’ve included their phone number. These insights are invaluable.
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- Clear communication style: From your first interaction, observe their communication. Are they prompt, clear, and proactive? Good communcation before the sit usually means they’ll be good communicators during the sit, giving you regular updates that are crucial for your peace of mind.
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- Genuine love for animals: This might sound obvious, but it’s paramount. A true animal lover will go the extra mile to ensure your pet is not just cared for, but genuinly happy and loved. Look for that spark in their eyes when they talk about animals!
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- Attention to detail: Are they asking thoughtful questions about your pet’s routine, quirks, and needs? This shows they’re taking the responsibility seriously and are commited to providing tailored care.
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- Motivation: Why are they interested in house sitting? Whether the sitter provides a free or a paid service, they will ideally be interested in taking care of animals and enjoying a change of scene in a new neighbourhood or part of the country. House sitting is the ultimate sharing economy.You’re providing them with free accommodation in exchange for light maintenance of your home and care of your pets (and perhaps a small fee) but again, if that’s the only reason they’re doing it, perhaps look for someone else.
How to connect with potential sitters:
Platforms dedicated to house sitting are an excellent starting point. They often allow you to browse profiles, read reviews, and connect with potential sitters who have already expressed an interest in house sitting, These sites facilitate the initial connection, making the search process much more efficient. There are a number of house sitting community pages on facebook where you can connect with sitters. Be aware that you should be extra diligent about conducting background checks on anyone you connect with this way. Word of mouth is an excellent way to find a sitter, if you know of a colleague or neighbour who had a great sitter, ask for a referral. When you have connected with a possible house sitter, be sure to meet them in person if possible, or at least over video call. Ask them questions to ascertain their suitability. My book has a list of great ‘interview’ questions to help with this.
Making the Right Decision:
Ultimately, finding someone you truly trust with your home and pets is key. For in-depth strategies on finding and vetting potential sitters, conducting thorough interviews, and establishing clear expectations, pick up my book, ‘House Sitting in Aotearoa New Zealand’, your essential guide to a worry-free house sitting eperience. It’s about empowering you to make the perfect match, ensuring your pets are happy and your home is secure, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Get your book here Amazon
www.housesittingnz.com
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