Pet Services

How to Provide Holiday Petsitting

During the holidays, there are a lot of opportunities for a Petsitter to work. People go out of town to visit exotic places or faraway family and friends. During their absence, they want their cats to be comfortable.

While an overnight trip may not provide much opportunity for the Petsitter, the weekend or weeklong visits to those at a distance can provide you with the opportunity to help by providing your services.

The biggest drawback for Petsitters at this time of year is that they cannot do the same thing -- go visit faraway family and friends. However; if your family is close, you can visit the animals left home alone and also your family and friends. And make a little money at the same time.

Remember that pets get into trouble around the holidays: tinsel, snow spray, cold weather, parked cars, holiday plants; can all present irresistable temptations to them. Especially with no one around to tell them "no" to control their behaviors or their access to these items. As the Petsitter, you need to be extra vigilant in your visits, and prepared for the worst. Nothing would be more heartbreaking than for an owner to come home to a seriously injured or ill pet because the Petsitter did not come as promised -- or did not notice the developing problem.

Don't be afraid to remove the offending items from the animal's reach. Or, failing that, remove the animal from the threat. Whatever works to keep the animals safe, sound and cared for is what you need to do. Be prepared with carrier, treats and some homeopathic treatments to calm and soothe the animal. Be sure you have the vet's phone number and address, and know the most direct route from your charge's home.

Also, be sure your insurance is up to date. Your clients will be glad to have you watch their homes during this crime-prone time of year. An empty home is a target for burglars, but your presence will be noticed. And the animals will be safer for it, too! Think of the unwary burglar meeting Fido or Fluffy and the animal coming to harm because of it. Not a pretty picture. By your continued, and erratic, presence, you can prevent a burglary and protect your charges. Remember to stagger your visits and not show up at the same time every day. This will really help you and your clients.

Perhaps you can add this to your Petsitting resume? Why not! Every positive experience your clients have with you builds your reputation in the area as a dependable, qualified Petsitter. You might even get into the "Grand Paw" or "Grand Meow" categories, as the master Petsitter in your area!

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About the author: Copyright 2005, Morgen Marshall For the Love of Cats dot com