What type of tips do you think your sitter needs to know about your pooch? Don't be afraid to open up to your sitter and let them know about your pup's habits and what she loves the most. The more your sitter knows about your doggy, as Dogster suggests, the more your sitter will be able to be there for her. You can enjoy your vacation knowing your pooch will be safe and sound when you return!
Here are five tips for prepping your dog sitter, and yourself, so that an emergency situation results in the best possible outcome:
1. Tell your sitter everything
I once took care of a dog who got out and made a run for it. He was lost for almost 24 hours before I was able to scoop him up. When his mom picked the pup up, she had a friend with her who said he had done this before – more than once. If your pet is a flight risk, TELL YOUR SITTER.2. Provide your dog’s stats and medical history
In your pet’s travel bag, include a list of all stats, including age and weight; dates of major vaccines such as rabies; any other relevant medical history; and contact information for her current vet.3. Have an emergency plan in place
With your contact info, provide an emergency backup who can make medical decisions for your dog if you are not available. Also provide written authorization for your sitter to approve any emergency medical procedures if neither of you are reachable.4. Make sure your sitter has insurance
A professional dog sitter should have adequate insurance that covers your dog should something happen. If there is no or inadequate insurance, find another sitter.5. Know that accidents happen and be understanding
No one wants harm to come to your dog, least of all your sitter, but accidents do happen. I’m a good – nay great – sitter, but I’ve had my fair share of trips to the vet for:• Foxtail removal from a pup’s nose and from an eye – If foxtails are common in your area, make sure your sitter knows the signs of inhalation and when to seek medical attention.
• Puncture wounds from another dog – Even if a bite doesn’t look bad, let your sitter know to head straight to the vet.
• Tick removal – I DESPISE ticks. Even so, I’m pretty good at getting them off. Once, though, I wasn’t successful in getting the entire blood-sucking creature out and had to take the dog to the vet.
