WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER AND SERVICE
Pet care:

  • Has experience in caring for pets (species, temperament, requirements) similar to yours.
  • Visits the client's home before the first service assignment to meet the pets and get detailed
    information about their care.
  • Shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting as is comfortable with your pets.
  • Wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in their care.
  • Is courteous, interested and well informed.
  • The sitter refrains from criticizing competitors.
  • Has a contingency plan in case of inclement weather, natural disaster, or illness.
  • Has an emergency veterinarian on call.
  • Takes precautions to make sure the client's absence is undetected because of careless actions or
    disclosures

Service Business Practices:

  • Is licensed, bonded and carries liability insurance.
  • Can provide references.
  • Provides Service Contracts with fees and services listed.
  • Answers inquiries promptly.
  • Is honest and shows integrity by following all state, federal and local laws pertaining to business
    operations and animal care.
  • The service provides initial and on going training for all the sitters.
  • Provides secure location for client keys and information.
A Client's Guide to Using a Pet Sitter
How to get the most from your Pet Sitter

Schedules are important.  Make your reservations for a pet sitting service as far in advance as possible.  Let
your Pet Sitter know the approximate time you expect to arrive home.

ALWAYS CALL WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME:  If we don't hear from you we will keep providing service as
scheduled until we do.  This protects your pets and your home in the event of delays.  If you fail to call, you will
be charged for extra services.

PREPARATIONS:

Have everything for your pet's needs in one centrally located place.  These items include but are not limited to:


  • Food and treats.  (Do not change your pet's diet just prior or during the service.  This can cause gastric
    upset and increased cleaning cost when you return home.
  • Utensils and can opener
  • Water and food bowls
  • Medications
  • Leash and properly fitted collar and ID tags
  • Appropriate toys (if they play with them)
  • Paper towels ... LOTS of paper towels
  • Cleaning supplies, for odor control, stain removal, disinfectant
  • Garbage bags
  • Litter and litter scoop
  • Broom, dust pan and or vacuum cleaner
  • Newspaper (if necessary)
  • Watering can if needed for indoor plants
  • Pooper scooper or equivalent.
  • Plastic bags for sanitary disposal of feces
  • Towels for muddy paws
  • Please leave extra food, litter and supplies in case you are delayed coming home.  We will restock
    supplies on an emergency basis and there is an extra charge for this service.
  • If you prefer your pet sitter to use a garage door opener, please also provide a key to the house.  In the
    event of a power outage the garage door will not work.
  • To prevent ants and other pests from invading, please do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.
  • Let your pet sitter know if any rooms are off limits to your pets.  Close the doors to those rooms and a
    Post-it note saying "Keep Door Closed" will do.  Your pet sitter will not enter this area unless there is an
    emergency.
  • Adjust your thermostat before you leave for the comfort and safety of your pets.
  • Leave a note for your pet sitter with a phone number where you can be reached and any last minute
    changes or instructions.

HELP US BE A FRIEND TO YOUR PET:

  • Make sure we have up-to-date pet profiles on all your pets.
  • Make sure to tell us about ALL medical problems your pet may be having, or has had recently.
  • If your dog likes to chew, make sure there are appropriate items for this activity.  Do not give them all at
    once to the pet.  Instead leave one or two with the pet and leave the others for your pet sitter to distribute
    or trade out to keep your pet interested.
  • If your pet tries to escape, make sure your pet sitter is aware of this and makes a special effort to
    secure gates and fences.
  • Leave an item of your clothing (recently worn) next to your pet's bed as a "security blanket".

SAFETY:

  • Make sure all windows, doors and gates are locked and secure.
  • Advise your pet sitter of anyone having access to your property during your absence.  (house keepers,
    gardeners, relatives, etc.)
  • Instruct anyone coming or going to secure the premises.  Insure they have access to the pet sitter's
    phone number in case of a problem with the pets or the house.
  • Continue your mail and newspaper service, your pet sitter will bring the paper and mail in.  The fewer
    people who know you are not home the better.
  • If your pet sitter's first visit of the service is at night, please leave a light on for us.
  • Do a head count before you lock the door, make sure the cat or dog has not escaped on one of your
    trips to the car.

OTHER THINGS:

  • Feel free to call or e-mail to check on your pet(s).  Take one of our business cards with you so have the
    phone number.
  • Advise your veterinarian that your pets are under the care of a pet sitter.
  • Make sure you leave a "Veterinarian Authorization" form with your pet sitter.
  • Inform your neighbors (if appropriate) that a pet sitter will be looking after your home and pets.
  • Put your pet sitter on your list of must tell people for lock or alarm changes.
  • Make sure your pet sitter knows of any new animals you might acquire, also please let us know when
    you lose a companion, we have come to love them also.
  • Make sure you have a local emergency contact that has a key to your home.  Make sure that the pet
    sitter has that person's name and contact information, and that your contact has the name and number
    of your pet sitter.  Emergencies happen.

FINALLY:

When you get home, no matter what time, CALL the office and let us know you are home.  Stuff happens,
planes are delayed, it snows in the Sierras, or fog comes in on I-5.  If we do not hear from you we will continue
visiting your pets on the regular schedule.
Copyright 2006 AardvarksandOthers.com
Webdesign:  Michelle Gonsalves

Aardvarks & Others Pet Sitting Service has been providing professional pet care for animal owners in Vallejo,
Benicia, and American Canyon for over 10 years.  

In home pet sitting is viewed by veterinarians to be the best care choice when owners are away.

We here at Aardvarks & Others know how important your pets are.  We provide personalized pet care
according to your pet's needs.  Whether you are a frequent traveler or an occasional client, you can travel with
peace of mind knowing you've left your home and your pets in our capable hands.

Aardvarks & Others Pet Sitting Service is bonded, and we carry liability insurance.
Pet Sitting
WHY USE A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

1)  Reduced Stress for your Pet:

  • Your pet stays in its own familiar secure environment
  • It knows the sights, sounds and smells.
  • Your pet feels at home.

2)  Diet and Routines:

  • Customary Diet and medication routines can be followed
  • This keeps your pet on its own schedule
  • No interruptions to upset your pets.

3)  No "Travel Trauma":

  • Traveling to a relative's home, unfamiliar boarding facility or kennel may cause some pets to
    experience anxiety                                  

4)  Health Concerns:

  • Your pets are not exposed to the illnesses of other animals.

5)  TLC:

  • Your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.

Advantages to you:

1)  Travel:

  • You won't be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet(s).

2)  No Imposition:

  • You don't have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pet.  You can rely on a     
    professional who will put your pet's safety and needs first.  

3)  Security:

  • Your home is made secure by crime deterrent services provided by most professional pet sitting
    services
  • Bringing in the newspaper and mail.
  • Rotating lights and curtains.
  • Perimeter check of the yard.
  • Security check of home and garage.

4)  Peace of mind:

  • While you are away you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.


5)  Special Services:

  • Watering of indoor and outdoor plants.
  • Vet Transport.
  • Groomer transport.
  • Place trash outisde for pick up.