The Benefits of Pet Sitting: Why You Should Hire a Pet Sitter

First and foremost, pet sitters eliminate the trauma of travel or introducing the pet to an unfamiliar environment. Like you, your pets feel much more comfortable when they are in their own home as opposed to a foreign environment (such as a boarding kennel). In-home pet sitters come to you so that you don’t have to worry about the cost of transportation or leaving your pet in an unfamiliar environment.

Additionally, as opposed to a kennel which houses many dogs at once, a pet sitter will be able to provide personalized attention for your dog. This usually includes 1-on-1 playtime and a consistent diet and exercise routine to prevent any stress or anxiety that may result from drastic changes to your pet’s routine. If your pet has any specified medical needs, a pet sitter can ensure consistent medical treatment is administered. When considering the importance of consistency and routine, this becomes a very obvious pet sitting benefit.

Keeping your dogs or pets at home with a trusted pet sitter also eliminates the risk of exposure to illness or parasites other animals may have at a boarding kennel. You don’t want to return from a restful vacation to meet your sick pet and face frequent visits to the vet. Other animals may also have temperaments that clash with those of your own pet. If your dog doesn't get along well with other dogs, for example, a boarding kennel will not suffice. It is ultimately safer for your dog to stay at home with an in-home sitter.

If you hire a pet sitter, your dog or pet will become familiar with the individual and learn to trust and love them. Pet sitters are natural animal lovers and are trustworthy and skilled in taking care of your pet. Your pet will much prefer to hang around a familiar face than an unfamiliar one. Not to mention, having a regular in-home pet sitter will give you, the pet owner, peace of mind when leaving your pets at home. You can rest assured that your pet’s health and well being are in safe, trusted hands.

A dog left alone in a crate all day will often become anxious, lonely, and lethargic. Any animal needs some sort of exercise and room to play in order to maintain both a healthy mind and body. With the use of a pet sitter, your dog will get the proper exercise and care needed to ensure they exert their pent-up energy in a healthy way (yet another important benefit to hiring a pet sitter).

Although friends and family may not mind lending a helping hand every now and then when it comes to watching your pets, it is an added responsibility for them. There is also no guarantee they will be available every time you need them. Not having to impose on neighbors or friends is an added benefit to pet sitting and makes it more convenient for all parties involved. 

The cost of pet sitters is a final pet sitting benefit. Contrary to what you may believe, pet sitters are not too costly. Rates are comparable to watching a child which is understandable considering the importance of a pet to one’s own home and lifestyle. When considering the additional services pet sitters provide such as upkeep on the home and bringing in the mail, the affordability of pet sitting becomes apparent.