Pets At Home
Pets left alone longer than normal can cause stress or behavior problems. Cats and dogs left inside have been know to become destructive or to eat indoor plants, actions not usual. The destructive behavior not only results in a mess awaiting owners to return, but may become a regular type of behavior. Eating house plants often leads to poisoning. Pets may revert to less socially accepted behavior, too, as a result. Injury, heat stroke, or illness due to tick or snake bites are dangers awaiting pets left outside for a lengthy time.
Even if automatic waterers and feeders are in place, they could clog or malfunction, leaving an animal without water or food.
Therefore no animal should be left without human supervision longer than an hour or two longer than what the owner would be gone normally. Someone should check on the animal regularly, give some attention, make sure water and food are sufficient, and allow the pet to feel as if not abandoned. If no one is available that can be trusted and who knows the pet, consider placing the dog, cat, or whatever in a boarding facility that you have inspected and know is reputable.
Taking on a pet is a commitment a person makes for the lifetime of the animal’s life. Therefore extra time and effort is needed when the owner must leave the pet for extended periods of time.
A few tips when organising your pet free time away are:
1. Reserve your time with your pet sitter as soon as your time away is confirmed.
2. Be specific on your instructions with your pet sitter, leave a written note of how much and what type of food is to be given when, and where to dispose of unwanted items, such as tins or litter boxes.
3. Determine liability in case of an accident your pet may have while you are away.
4. Let your sitter know if anyone else is expected in your home during your absence.
5. Do you want updates while you are away? Updates or not, be sure to leave a number or way of contacting you in case of an emergency.
6. Leave plenty of food, toys, litter and other supplies needed while you are away.
7. Provide the name and contact information of a neighbor who has a key to your home in case of an emergency.
8. Test any keys provided to make sure they do work, and do not leave them on your property hidden, in case someone may be watching one day while your sitter gets access.
9. Reconfirm your plans with your sitter approximately two days prior to your departure.
10. Agree on a fee.
11. If necessary block off areas to your home to prevent your animal unwanted access and inform your sitter of the 'pet house rules'.
12. Be honest with your sitter of your pet traits, example whether they like to be petted, particularly by children, or if they are a barker.
13. Possibly close off 'doggy doors' in your absence in case of pet boredom and the liklihood of an accident.
14. Have easy access to your home for your sitter. Make sure the outside light works and all walkways and entry ways are clear of debris and clutter.
15. Write down any extras you may want your sitter to do, such as bring in the mail, paper, water the plants, take out the trash and make sure they are in agreement with this.
16. Call when you get home to ease your sitter's mind, let them know you have arrived safely and the pets are now back in your care.
Following these steps will ensure that both you and your sitter are clear on all duties expected and know one will have any bad feelings upon your return, and might possibly do it again for you the next time you are away.
source:www.ezinearticles.com