Whether we want to or not, there are times when we have to leave our homes and pets – if we are lucky enough to have them – unattended for some time. The responsibilities of owning and safeguarding one’s home cannot be simply disregarded when we are away for business or personal reasons. A house can be broken into even if there is an alarm system, as intruders can be in and out of the premises within minutes, mostly at night, taking valuable appliances which are easy to transport. Houses which are visibly occupied during these hours are less likely to be targeted, and the mere presence of an occupant can be a powerful deterrent and provide an immediate response in case of any security concerns, thereby assuring peace of mind when you are not able to be there yourself.
Don’t break your pet’s routine – call in the pet sitter
Similarly, if you have pets, no matter if they are furry, feathered or scaly, their daily care routines are generally well-established. Dogs and cats, in particular, generally tend to be more comfortable with routines which they are familiar with and understand. If you have to be away from home, it is important to make sure that they are looked after during your absence, particularly if you are not comfortable with leaving them at a boarding kennel/cattery while you are away. They often find this traumatic, and this can lead to severe stress and emotional or physical health issues as a result. From feeding and walking dogs, cleaning litter boxes for cats, to providing companionship, attention and playtime for various pets, pet sitters can tailor their care based on the individual needs of your animals. Animals which are social or accustomed to regular human interaction particularly benefit from the attention provided by a dedicated pet sitter. Additional services such as administering medication, grooming, and even basic training may be offered as part of the service. Hiring a pet sitter minimises the stress and disruption that pets may experience when separated from their owners, as they remain in their familiar environment. However, clear communication regarding feeding schedules, exercise routines, veterinary contacts, and any special instructions is vital for a successful and seamless pet-sitting experience.
Maintain the normal routine of the home
House sitters are responsible for a variety of tasks, depending on the needs of the owner. They may be tasked with basic maintenance of the garden, such as watering or feeding plants and lawns, checking the ph levels and light cleaning of a swimming pool, providing access to a garden service or other scheduled specialists, and handling minor repairs if required. They will also remove flyers and free newspapers from the mailbox and put out and collect the general rubbish and recycling bins weekly. These routine tasks indicate that there is someone in the house and thereby provide an additional level of security.
Pet sitters provide a live-in service
Whilst a house sitter may not necessarily be required to remain at the house full-time, they will be responsible for regular inspections of the property to make sure that no potential problem areas escalate into major issues. However, a house sitter who includes pet sitting within their responsibilities usually lives in the house for the duration of their engagement. Pet sitters add an element of emotional care to their duties, as they are animal lovers who can be trusted to take the best care of your precious animals. These sitters must be carefully vetted before being left with your animals and should preferably be introduced to and interact with your pets before your departure. If there is any sort of disconnect between the sitter and the pet, this will become obvious very quickly. If the sitter shows little interest in the pet or its routines, likes and dislikes, and the pet seems uncomfortable in the potential sitter’s presence, the warning flags should be raised.
Both sides benefit from these services
Using the services of a house and pet sitter is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Homeowners can be assured of a visible security deterrent and maintenance support, whilst the sitters have free accommodation during their stay, apart from their food costs. This is a definite advantage if the house is situated in an area outside of the sitter’s normal environment, and where they can explore and discover new places.
Online platforms have made connections quicker and more convenient
The rapid growth in online search platforms such as Uptasker has made it easier for homeowners and sitters to connect, making the choices wider and the chance of finding the perfect match more seamless. Whether it is an individual working independently or a company offering these services, online searches enable essentials such as the viewing of profiles, communicating expectations on both sides and arranging for interviews, whether in person or through virtual meetings. It should be noted that there is still a definite need to conduct in-depth interviews, undertake background checks and obtain references for any new sitter concerning their trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that the right person will be on site whilst you are away.
