8 Reasons To Hire A Pet Sitter While You're Away

Here are 8 ways a pet sitter can be an asset to you, your furry ones and your home.

1. Pets love routine

I know a pair of pups who get a treat at 8 every evening. When I’m housesitting, the dogs’ inner clock chimes at 7:55. They sit in front of me and gaze expectantly: It’s Greenie time.

Keeping close to your pets’ normal routine for mealtime, exercise, waking and sleeping reassures them while you’re away.

2. The comforts of home

Furry family members crave familiar scents — including the scent of you around the house — as well as their toys and special comfort spots. Cats are especially attached to their living space, so going to a kennel can be tough on them. Plus letting dogs and cats stay home makes their adjustment to your leaving smoother.

3. Litterbox tidiness and potty breaks

Cats are famously tidy and appreciate a well-maintained litterbox. And dogs are more calm and comfortable when they have their regular potty breaks.

4. Animal shenanigans

Bored animals will find ways of entertaining themselves and it’s not always the way you want them to. With enough time on their paws they get creative. Any of these sound familiar?

A clawed curtain
A shoe chewed in half
A trash bin emptied across the floor

Your pet sitter can shift those impulses to play time, tummy rubs and cheery dog walks.

5. Water and food needs

A pet care pro will make sure kitty and pooch have plenty of fresh water and all their regular meals to keep them hydrated and nourished.

6. Health concerns

If there’s a known health concern, your sitter will monitor that and stay in touch with you about it and any other issue that comes up.

7. The house looks occupied

Your house sitter deters crime. There’s someone coming and going and using lights, plus mail, papers and packages are brought inside. If there’s a power outage or another surprise, your sitter will let you know and handle things promptly.

8. Loving care

Pets appreciate companionship from their loving pet sitter friend. While family is away, caring touch soothes a cat or dog who may need reassurance that all’s well.