Professional Pet Sitter FAQs

Professional Pet Sitters serving: Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, Potomac, North Potomac, Rockville, Bethesda, Germantown, Clarksburg, MD

As a devoted pet owner, you invest substantial time and thought into providing the best care for your furry companions. You carefully consider their food, vet care, and even the shampoo they deserve. But what happens when your next trip approaches, and you can’t take your beloved fur baby with you? Many factors come into play when selecting the right pet caretaker. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered common questions about professional pet sitters to help you make an informed choice for both you and your beloved furry family members.

What is a Professional Pet Sitter?

Q: What is a professional pet sitter?

A: A professional pet sitter is an individual with extensive experience in providing top-notch pet care. They take essential precautions, such as maintaining insurance and utilizing pet-sitting service contracts. Furthermore, they undergo comprehensive background checks to ensure your pet’s safety. They prioritize ongoing education to stay up to date with the latest developments in pet care. Additionally, professional pet sitters are well-prepared with emergency backup plans and hold critical certifications, including pet CPR and first-aid.

Why Choose a Professional Pet Sitter Over a “Hobby Sitter”?

Q: Why should you choose a professional pet sitter over a “hobby sitter”?

A: The primary reason to opt for a professional pet sitter is the unparalleled peace of mind they offer. This means you can truly relax and fully enjoy your trip, knowing they possess the necessary expertise, training, and responsibility to ensure your pet receives the best care during your absence. In contrast, a neighbor or friend may lack the capacity to create a backup plan should they fall ill or get injured while taking care of your pet.

Hiring Practices of Pet Sitting Companies

Q: Do all pet sitting companies hire their own employees?

A: If you’re considering transitioning from your neighbor’s child to a professional pet sitting company, it’s crucial to inquire about their hiring practices. Find out whether they use independent contractors or employ dedicated staff. At Outward Bound Hounds, our professional pet sitters are bona fide employees, backed by bonding and comprehensive insurance coverage. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of general liability insurance, while our employees are covered by our worker’s compensation policy.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Q: What’s the difference between Independent contractors and Employees?

A: Pet sitting companies that hire employees consistently deliver more reliable and standardized service. It’s worth noting that their pricing may be slightly higher due to the costs associated with employee training, benefits, and retention. However, the advantage lies in the fact that companies with employees can effectively train their staff to adhere to standard procedures and hold them accountable for the highest care standards. On the other hand, independent contractors, while cost-effective, lack the ability to follow standard operating procedures, offering flexibility in performing their job responsibilities.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Pet Sitter

Q: What questions should you ask when hiring a pet sitter?

A: When considering a pet sitter, be sure to inquire about their experience, backup and emergency plans, educational background, business permits, use of contracts, background checks, insurance coverage, bonding, and training in pet first aid and CPR. Outward Bound Hounds uses PCI: Pet Care Insurance

Conclusion:

In closing, remember that the right pet sitter goes above and beyond to understand your pet’s unique needs, making them the top priority. Regardless of your choice, it is essential to consider your personal preferences and expectations, aligning them with the company that best meets your pet care needs. Outward Bound Hounds is your trusted partner, dedicated to delivering quality care for both you and your cherished pet!