At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we know how important it is to make sure your dog is well-cared for while you’re away, whether you're traveling for work or taking a much-needed vacation. One of the key components to a successful pet-sitting experience is proper preparation. By setting things up in advance, you can ensure that your dog’s sitter feels confident and comfortable in your home, and that your dog receives the best care possible.
Here are some essential steps to help you prep for your dog sitter’s arrival and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for both your dog and your sitter.
1. Schedule Dog Walks With Your Dog Sitter
One of the most important things we recommend is getting to know your dog walker before the sitting begins. Even if you’re booking a sitter for a one-time visit, it's essential to schedule at least three walks with your walker beforehand. This not only ensures that your dog and the walker get along, but it also allows you to check the walker’s reliability. Unfortunately, we often receive calls from clients who had a walker cancel last minute, leaving their pets stranded.
At Trails and Tails, we only offer sitting services to clients who we already walk regularly, but even if you're not one of our regular walking clients, it's always best to give yourself peace of mind by scheduling a few walks in advance. This way, you can make sure your dog feels comfortable with the walker and that the walker is dependable.
2. Prepare Questions for the Meet-and-Greet
If you’re doing a meet-and-greet with your dog sitter, be sure to prepare some questions beforehand to ensure they’re a good fit for your pet and your home. Some key questions you might want to ask include:
How do you handle emergency situations, like a dog getting injured or feeling ill?
What is your approach to dog behavior and training?
Are you comfortable with administering medications if needed?
How do you handle situations where a dog becomes anxious or reactive?
By asking these questions, you’ll get a good sense of whether the sitter has the right experience and approach for your dog’s needs. If your dog has special quirks or medical requirements, be sure to mention those as well.
3. Provide Detailed Instructions (If There’s No Sitting Form)
Some dog walking companies, including Trails and Tails, may provide a sitting form to make the process easier, but many do not. If a form is available, it’s always helpful to fill it out for your sitter’s convenience. But even if no form is provided, we recommend creating a simple, detailed sheet with instructions for your dog sitter.
Make sure to include:
Feeding instructions: Be specific about your dog’s food, portion size, and feeding schedule.
Medications: Clearly note any medications your dog needs, including the dosage and when it should be given.
Location of key supplies: Where can the walker find your dog’s food, leashes, and toys?
Location of trash cans: Let the sitter know where the dumpster is and when trash day is.
Wi-Fi information: Don’t forget to include your Wi-Fi network name and password for your sitter to use if necessary.
Clear, comprehensive instructions will help your sitter care for your dog just as you would, and it will reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.
4. Notify Your Walker About Puppy Cams
If you have a puppy cam or security camera set up in your home, make sure to inform your dog sitter in advance. This is especially important in Seattle, as different states have varying laws about recording people. At Trails and Tails, we kindly ask that you turn off your puppy cam between 6 PM and 9 AM to allow your sitter to feel comfortable in your home. While you might just want to keep an eye on your pup, it’s important to remember that your sitter is essentially spending their time with your dog in your home, and being under constant observation can make them feel uneasy.
Letting your sitter know about any cameras in advance shows respect for their privacy, ensuring a more comfortable and trusting relationship.
5. Be Specific About Plant Care
If you’d like your dog sitter to water your plants while you’re away, be very specific about which plants need attention and when. Not all dog walkers are plant experts, and some may accidentally over-water or neglect certain plants. By providing clear instructions, you can prevent this from happening and ensure your plants stay healthy while your dog is getting the best care.
6. Set the AC/Heater to a Neutral Setting
If your home’s temperature control system is complicated, be sure to set your AC or heater to a neutral setting that your sitter can easily manage. If the controls are tricky or unusual, leave instructions so your sitter knows how to adjust the temperature. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature for both your dog and the sitter is essential, and it’s one less thing for them to worry about while you’re gone.
7. Leave a Spare Key in Case of Emergencies
It’s always a good idea to leave a spare key for your dog sitter, just in case they get locked out or lose their key. You can either leave it in a lockbox or give it to a trusted friend. Not only will this ensure that the sitter can still access your home, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that there’s a backup plan in place. Emergencies happen, and being prepared is key to a smooth pet-sitting experience.
Conclusion: Preparation Is Key for a Successful Dog Sitting Experience
By taking the time to prepare for your dog sitter’s arrival, you can ensure that your dog’s sitting experience goes smoothly, and that your sitter feels comfortable in your home. From scheduling walks to providing clear instructions and informing your sitter about security cameras, a little preparation can go a long way.
At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your furry friend, whether it’s through regular walks or sitting services. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, experienced dog walker for your next trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe while you’re away!
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