How to select a petsitter

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You've purchased a Goldendoodle from us, now what? You find that you can't sit home with your new baby 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You need a babysitter for your new doodle!
What do you look for when trying to select someone to watch your new addition to the family?

One of the best ways to find a doodle babysitter is to contact your veterinarian. My vet is a great resource for many things. Dog trainers leave their cards at his office; pet sitters, boarding kennels and groomers alike, will let him know they are offering their services for his customers.
Other great resources can be people you know! Ask your friends and neighbors who own pets as they may be able to recommend someone who can help you out.

Ask Questions! If you have located someone you are interested in becoming your Goldendoodle babysitter, have them come to your home and meet your doodle. It is very important that your sitter and doodle meet. After all, what if your doodle doesn't like your sitter? A dog knows better than we do, sometimes. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person who will taking care your doodle. If the person is giving you strange vibes, show them the door and move on to someone else. If you like what is going on with the "interview", ask about his or her expertise regarding dogs. How long have they been a petsitter? Can they provide references? After all, you don't want a stranger inside your home unless you know for sure you can trust them. You have to remember that when you are away, this sitter will access to your entire home. Ask them who they have worked for. Ask if they have been discharged by anyone they've worked for and if so, why.

Tell them about your Goldendoodle's needs! If your Goldendoodle is fed at specific times or with specific meals, you are going to need to let your new sitter know this. Is your Goldendoodle on medications? Your sitter will need this information too. Convey to your sitter what they should do in case of an emergency. Ask them if they know CPR? Your new sitter will need to know how to contact you in case of an emergency and how to contact your veterinarian.

Your Goldendoodle babysitter must know how to administrate medications and feel comfortable in doing this, if this is necessary. Will your petsitter be performing other duties? Cleaning house? Walking your doodle? Taking him or her to a doggie park? Is there a vet appointment coming up that they will need to go to? Will your pet sitter be grooming? Do they know how to groom? Do they know the basics in grooming?

One of the most important things people often never ask is whether or not the petsitter is bonded. Many professional petsitters carry liability insurance. This insurance covers accidents and negligence. Make sure your petsitter is bonded if you are seeking the best sitter you can get.

Discuss what your sitter should do in case of an emergency! If your veterinarian is away and an emergency situation occurs, who will your sitter contact? What if you are delayed in your plans to return? Will this be a problem for the sitter? Emphasize how important your Goldendoodle is to you and your family and make sure you are clear in your instructions.
What back up plans does your new sitter have in case he or she becomes ill or they themselves have an emergency? Who then will take care of your Goldendoodle while you are away?

All of these questions should be answered. You should spell everything out with a contract so that there is no mistaking what the duties of your new sitter will be if they decide to take the job. Try the sitter out! If you have plans to take off for the weekend, hire the sitter for the weekend to watch your doodle. See how it goes. If you like what you see, you will be more apt to ask them back.

Here are two Pet sitter services that are available:

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
1030 15th st. NW ste 870
Washington, DC 20005

http://www.petsitters.com

800-296-PETS


Pet Sitters International
418 East King St.
King, NC 27021

http://www.petsit.com

800- 268-SITS (7487)


*About the Author: Dee Gerrish of Goldendoodle World has been writing about Goldendoodles since 1999. Visit her website at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com for more details.