Stella the Frenchie

Despite all the safety precautions you’re taking, we can never really know for sure when COVID-19 will rear its ugly head. While less than ideal, it’s still possible that you might need to leave your home to get medical attention. This, then, begs the question of what you can do to ensure that your furry companion is well-taken care of while you seek medical care.

In the absence of other family members or loved ones to take on the responsibility, hiring a pet sitter is the way to go. Naturally, this will require no small measure of thought and preparation because, as always, you’ll want the best for your pet. Here are the essential steps you need to take to ensure that your pet is in good hands in your absence.

Choosing a Sitter

There’s no shortage of folks offering their services as pet sitters, so there’s no question that you’ll be able to find one easily enough, even on short notice. However, do know that not all professional pet sitting services are created equal, so it’s crucial to really do your due diligence before choosing one that you can entrust your pet to wholeheartedly.

As a rule of thumb, make sure to look into a company or service provider’s track record by way of reviews or references. Moreover, you want to make sure that they’re fully insured, properly trained, and licensed and certified where applicable. Again, the goal is to find a trustworthy pet sitting service, so this is definitely one choice that you don’t want to take lightly. 

Rethink the Meet-Cute

Now, in normal circumstances, an important step in emotionally preparing your pet for your absence is to arrange a meet and greet with the sitter beforehand, which you ideally supervise to get everyone comfortable.

At this time, prudence dictates that social distancing rules should be followed. Communication is best done over the phone or online. If a meetup or drop-off is required, it’s best to wear a mask. On the other hand, the sitter must also limit or avoid close contact with the pet (i.e., face-licking and kissing) and again, maintain the prescribed distance when out on walks and the like.

Compile Essential Information

Before you hand off your pet to the sitter, it’s smart to have a checklist on hand to ensure that your pet will have everything they need in your absence. Do include a compilation of essential safety information. At the most fundamental level, this should be a resource containing pertinent emergency contacts, such as your vet. Just as important is information on your pet’s health concerns and medications, if any. Don’t forget your pet’s immunization history, microchip information, insurance card, local registration number, and a clear photograph, as well as information on your pet’s routines, favorite activities, and more.

No doubt, these will certainly come in handy should an emergency arise. By extension, this will also offer you the peace of mind that you’ll need at this difficult time.

Send Off Your Pet with Supplies

Lastly, as much as you’d like your pet to stay in familiar territory with the sitter, it’s quite possible that your home is less than ideal at this time. For this reason, it’s very important to ensure that your pet has all the supplies that they need in their sojourn at the sitter’s, running the gamut from food to medication to toys.

One important thing that you shouldn’t overlook is making sure your pet has an adequate supply of food. If you have an older animal, make sure to feed them food with quality ingredients that fits their needs. Many pet owners are relying on food delivery services, so research the best services available.

Indeed, being parted from your pet at this time can be difficult, so it can be a great deal of comfort to know that they’re in good hands with the right pet sitter. This way, you can keep your comfort and concentrate on your recovery, with a very happy reunion to look forward to.