Canine Influenza, Parvo Disease & Kennel Cough

With over sixty-three percent of U.S. households owning one or more pets, reports regarding the highly contagious and potentially deadly strains of canine influenza and Parvo disease - not to mention the pervasive kennel cough virus - have many dog owners worried.  So, what’s a travel-bound pet owner to do?

It’s hard enough for owners to deal with the psychological concerns of boarding their pets in crowded facilities, but the health risks put a pet in double jeopardy. As one sound alternative to ‘en masse’ lodging, reputable in-home pet care services typically visit or stay overnight with dogs, cats and other small animals in their own home, walk dogs one at a time or in very small groups, or privately board or daycare them individually in the comfort and safety of the pet sitter’s home.  Thus, the disease risk level for in-home pet sitting is considerably lower.

However, the difficulty of finding reliable, at-home pet care providers has spawned the need for firm guidelines on selecting the right professional.  Fetch! Pet Care offers this advice:

1. Diligently check all of the company’s references – at least three should be voluntarily provided
2. Ensure the company is fully bonded and insured
3. Verify that your sitter can accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and exercise schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule during busy holidays
4. Ensure the company offers 7-day per week telephone and email availability
5. Confirm that your sitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training
6. Pre-interview your sitter with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet(s)
7. Clearly state how you would like your sitter to use his/her visit time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.
8. Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet(s) as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information, and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, and treats in one central location
9. Ensure the company has “backup” measures in place should your sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment
10. Confirm that your sitter will leave you a pet report card at the completion of their assignment and that the company offers a customer satisfaction guarantee in case you are dissatisfied in any way.

To find a reliable pet sitter near you, call Fetch! Pet Care’s toll-free consumer help line at 1-866-FETCH-ME or use its online pet sitter locator at www.FetchPetCare.com.