Going on a trip with your dogs can be a lot of fun but sometimes there are good reasons for letting them stay at home. Dogs can't be left home alone because they need fresh water, food, exercise and will need to be let out several times a day.
Not to sound like as ad for pet sitting services but there are lots of great pet sitter services available in most areas and can be found by searching the web. If you don't have a close friend or family member who will care for your dog while you're away, you might considered using a pet sitter.
Regardless of who you find to watch over your dog(s) there are some things you might want to ask your sitter to do for you while you're away and some things you should have ready for you sitter.
We thought we'd start a checklist of those things to prepare for your sitter and to make your time away is less worrisome.
Paper Work
Fill out our Dog Sitting Instructions sheet and give one to your sitter and leave a copy stuck to your refridgerator. We also have a Veterinary Instructions and Release form that you can also fill out. Both forms provide information about your pets that will help your sitter care for your pets.
Prepare a list of commands you commonly use. Sit is "sit" but down may mean "off the couch" in some homes. The list will help your sitter communicate better with your dog. Your dog will respond better if they know what your sitter needs them to do. Let your sitter know what tricks your dog knows, too. They can practice together while your away!
Be sure to clearly write out all dosage instructions if your dog is on any medication while you are away.
Meet with the Sitter
Ask your sitter to come by and meet your dog(s) days ahead of your departure. This will give your dogs time to feel comfortable with them. Go for a walk together. Show th It will give you a chance to let your sitter know more about your dog(s), what they're like and what they do.
Show them where everything is that they will need while you are away. Try to keep as many of these things together as you can so the sitter doesn't have to search for them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Name & Number of your Vet
|
|
Let them know what your dogs schedule is. Do they eat in the morning, at night or both times? How many times do they need to let them out? Do you leave the radio or TV on for your dog when you are away?
Are any areas of the house "off limits" to your dog?
Do you need them to pick up your mail or newspaper? Water plants? Leave a light on?
Lastly, have a spare key made. Check it to make sure it works and give it to your sitter.
Preparation
Dog Tags - These are so important if your dog gets away from your sitter. It's one of the best ways to be located by the finder of your dog. Make sure if you're traveling to have a dog tag that has your cell phone number on it. No cell phone? Then be sure you know how to call into your answering machine or voice mail to get your messages.
Leashes - Leave a leash right by the entrance that your sitter will use to enter your house. Your dog may need to go out right away and it can also help your sitter get control of your dog as they enter your home. Leave an extra leash, just in case.
Dog Food - Always leave enough dog food to last the length of your trip plus a little extra.
Toys and Treats - Toy are always a good idea to spread around the area that your dog will be in. The toys can help to make to dog feel more comfortable and keep them busy while they are alone. Be sure your sitter knows which ones are the favorites and leave some yummy treats for the sitter to help encourage play and to offer as rewards for good behaviors.
Medicine - If your dog is taking any medicine be sure to leave specific instructions and dosage information. Spend some time with your sitter and show them how to administer the medicine.
Waste Pick Up Bags - If your sitter is going to be walking your dog in the neighborhood, make sure they have enough bags.
Your Scent - Leave a piece of clothing that you've recently worn near where your pet sleeps as a reminder of you.
Neighborhood Watch - Let a trusted neighbor know that you will be away and that a pet sitter will be coming to your home. Ask if you could leave a spare key with them in the event of an emergency.
Enjoy your time away knowing that your dog(s) will be well cared for. If you are like us, you'll be looking forward to the tail-waggin' happy greeting you'll receive when you get back home. They missed you and boy are they glad you came back home to them!
This article was written by Doreen Simpson.
Visit www.dbdogshop.com for more "Good Ideas for Good Dogs."
Reproduction in any form is not allowed without the express written permission of the author.
Copyright October 2008 by DBDogShop.com
