Travel and Fur Kids - Pettsitter Tips


Petsitter Tips
    Unless you have Cats who are only fed once a day, Birds or Fish, We highly advice having a Petsitter come twice a day. Dogs need to be walked more than once a day. Rabbits and Potbellied Pigs need to be fed twice a day to maintain their health. Summer Heat can be a very detrimental issue for all small mammals. Changing frozen plastic bottles of water that have been placed in cages may be essential to combat heat stroke.

    One of the first things to do to prepare a Petsitter for the wonderful experience of spending some time with your Companions is to advice her/him of your Companion's habits. Once you've ascertained what time s/he is coming, let her know what kind of behavior to expect at that hour. Changes in behavior can mean illness. Of course the change in routine and absence of the rest of the family will influence behavior to a degree. However if, for instance your petsitter is coming at seven am and that is an active time for your Rabbit, and your petsitter finds your Rabbit hunched up in the corner of her condo, this could mean a problem.

    Checking droppings is also an important part of monitoring the health of your loved ones. You know how much should be there, right? So should your petsitter.

    Clearly mark all foods. We've heard many stories of the wrong foods being fed. One petsitter fed their charges, who were of the Lagomorph family, Cat Country, a litter box material, because it looked a lot like the Rabbit pellets that were a normal part of the Rabbit's cuisine. We suggest a large strip of masking tape marked with a black felt tip placed near the top of all bags or containers. Before you leave, you'll want to stock up on all necessary, non perishable, food, so that your petsitter doesn't inadvertantly switch brands, which, done suddenly, can be fatal to all species.

    Your pre trip medical preparation should include compiling a list of Veterinary names and numbers. Have an alternative Veterinarian's name on your list of contacts, in case your primary Vet is unavailable, as well as your local Emergency Veterinarian's number. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date. If you haven't treated for fleas and ticks in a month, the time to do so is before you go. This is one time when you don't want to put it off.

    If your Family Members are not micro chipped, make sure they have tags if they are of an appropriate size. Discuss with the petsitter how to deal with a major disaster. Check out local kennels, leaving your petsitter with your new found knowledge in case of an emergency situation. Have photos of your Companions on hand for your Petsitter to keep with her in case of emergency.

    If your loved one is shedding or moulting it may be necessary for the petsitter to brush her/him while you are gone. This is one of the things you'll have to decide on.

         To save you some time, amaze your friends with your incredible organizational skills, and obtain some peace of mind while you are away, feel free to print out our Petsitter's Checklist. Granted it is extremely detailed. We think it covers all the possibilities giving you freedom from worry and therefore the opportunity to enjoy your vacation!

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