Pet Care Tips
Tips, Links, Resources

Getting To Know You
Provide written verification that your pet is up-to-date on its shots. Have  
your pet wear current vaccination tags on its collar.
If your pet is prone to chew, please leave “chew toys” and take proper         
precautions to guard your personal items and home furnishings from his/her
teeth while you are away.
Make a list of your pet’s favorite hiding places. This will prevent the pet        
sitter from worrying if your pet is not where expected.
Be sure to tell your pet sitter about any unusual habits your pet has;  
destructive behavior when left alone, change in bowel or eating habits, etc.
During the initial consultation, please try not to “force” your pet to like the
pet sitter. Some pets are shy and can’t be expected to warm up to a
stranger immediately. With time and patience, trust will build and a friendly
relationship will be established.
If you own both dogs and cats, please do not ask the sitter to “ignore” the
cats (i.e., not charge) during the visits. It is impossible because the sitter’s
conscience would not allow the oversight of a cat in need of food, medical
care or human attention.

Preparation is Key
Schedules are important! Make your reservations for a pet sitter as far in
advance as possible and remember to call the sitter if you are coming home
later or earlier than expected. This will allow the pet sitter to plan for
extra visits or serve additional clients.
Have everything necessary to care for your pet in one general and visible
area. This includes food, treats, utensils, food and water bowls,
medications, leash, can opener, toys, paper towels, cleaning supplies, garbage
bags, litter and scoop, broom and dustpan and/or vacuum cleaner, towels
(for rainy walks), newspapers (if paper training), watering can for plants, etc.
Provide extra food, litter and supplies just in case you are not able to return
when anticipated.
Be sure to leave plastic bags for sanitary disposal of feces. Pet sitters are
happy to perform this task while you’re away, but shouldn't be expected to
clean up accumulation prior to your absence!
Clean out the refrigerator before leaving to avoid smelly food spoilage, and
wash any dishes in the sink to prevent ants or other pests.
For the comfort of your pet, adjust your thermostat before leaving on your
trip and advise your pet sitter within what range to keep it. A closed-up home
can get uncomfortably hot in a short time.
Tell the pet sitter if bathrooms or any other household areas are off limits
to your pet and/or sitter. Secure access to these areas before leaving home.
Also, make the pet sitter aware if your cat happens to love shredding the
contents of the bathroom trashcan or if the toilet is prone to run or become
clogged.
If you’re leaving anything specifically for your pet sitter; e.g., homegrown
tomatoes on the counter, Peanut M & M candies, a monetary tip, be sure to
leave a note.
Will other people be checking on your pet? If so, help avoid confusion by
making it clear what the pet sitter is responsible for and what other
visitors will be entrusted to do.
Notify your veterinarian in writing that a pet sitter will be caring for your
pet and authorize the vet to extend medical care during your absence if it
becomes necessary.

Pet-Proofing Your Home
Household cleansers, furniture polishes, disinfectants, insecticides,
antifreeze, fertilizers, perfumes and make-up can be dangerous to dogs.
Make sure cupboards and storage areas (garage) containing these items are
secured. A bored or determined dog can go “where they’ve never gone
before.”
Are the toilet lids down in any accessible bathrooms?
See that medications are locked up. The sound of pills rattling in a plastic
bottle may entice the pet to chew the bottle open.
Remove candy and nuts from coffee tables or locations where a pet can reach
them. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and nuts can be dangerous as well.
Check to see that any hobby supplies; i.e., paints, glue, needles and thread,
etc. have been placed away from an inquisitive pet’s reach.

Securing Your Home
Make sure your pet sitter is aware of anyone who may be on your premises or
entering your home during the pet-sitting assignment.
Use timers on interior lights to go on at dusk and off at bedtime as well
motion sensors on exterior lights. If evening visits are scheduled to your
home, the pet sitter will really appreciate this safety precaution!
Make sure doors and windows are securely locked before leaving. This should
include garage doors, sliding glass doors and basement doors and windows. If
outside doors have panes of glass near a push-button lock, consider installing
a dead bolt lock as well.
Advise gate security that a pet sitter will be visiting your home and
authorize entry.
Inform your neighbors of your absence and use of a pet sitter.
Mow the lawn before you leave and arrange for exterior maintenance as
necessary during your absences from home.
Make sure any fences are secure and gates are locked.
Care For Pets - www.avma.org/care4pets

The Humane Society - www.hsus.org/pets/

General pet care information - http://petcaretips.net/small_pets.html

PSI's Pet Tips - www.petsit.com/owners/pet_tips.php#700

Poison-control - www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc

VPI Pet Insurance for most pets - www.petinsurance.com/genLanding.cfm

House Rabbit Society's bunny links - www.houserabbitga.org/favoritelinks.html
V.I.People & Pets
Jeff Ball, Owner (678) 231-2874
Kennesaw, GA 30144
pets@VIPeopleandPets.com
 
 
      Ten Commandments For
     Responsible Pet Ownership
                                             By Laura Michaels

  1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very
    painful.
  2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
  3. Place your trust in me...it is crucial for my well-being
  4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have
    your work, your friends and your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
  5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice
    when it's speaking to me.
  6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
  7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the
    bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
  8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something
    might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in
    the sunn too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.
  9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
  10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say "I can't bear to watch it" or "let
    it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there.  
                                   
                                     Remember, I LOVE YOU,
                                             Your Loving Pet



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PSI's How To Be The Best Client Ever

Whether this is your first or fiftieth time to use a pet sitter, there are some
things you can do to help your sitter take the best possible care of your precious
pets. You can help ensure that each pet-care assignment will be a successful
arrangement for all involved. Use the following suggestions as a check list of helpful
pointers that are sure to endear you to your pet sitter! Professional pet sitting
services can be valuable for many occasions.