LAPPS FAQ

What are the advantages for my pet?

Pets are happier and healthier in their own home environments.
Eliminates trauma for your pet, they aren’t left in an unfamiliar environment.
There is no exposure to other animals, sickness, or parasites.
Customary diet and exercise are followed, with no interruptions.
Love. Your pet will receive individualized love and attention.

What are the advantages for me?

Eliminates the hassles of having to transport your pet to and from a boarding facility.
Relative, friends, or neighbors will not be inconvenienced with the additional responsibilities.
Gives you peace of mind, knowing that your pets and home will be cared for by a professional, while you are away.
Security. Your home is made more secure by the crime deterrent services provided by most pet sitting services.

How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?

Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pet when the pet sitter comes to visit. Here are some tips:

Call your pet sitter before you leave town to confirm travel dates and contact information while you're away.
Make sure the pet sitter has a phone number where you can be reached, as well as a local emergency contact number.(/li>
Provide the pet sitter with a house key. If you wish to provide a garage door opener, give the sitter a back up key as well, just in case of a power outage. If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure they work.
Make sure to test the alarm system, and provide your pet sitter with both the keypad code, as well as the spoken password, in case of a false alarm.
Clean food and water dishes before leaving town.
Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you’re not able to return when planned.
Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage and wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests.
Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.
Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service or maintenance companies while you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Secure access to those areas before leaving home.

What can I do to help my pet sitter take the best care of my pets?

You can help your pet sitter be a better friend to your pet by making sure there are no problems while you are away. Planning and preparation in the following areas will smooth the way:

Tell the pet sitter about all health problems your pet may have—major or minor, past or present.
Provide written verification that your pet is up to date on its vaccinations.
Make sure your dog’s collar fits—Otherwise he may slip out of a too-large collar while being walked.
If your dog is not accustomed to walking on a leash, practice with him before you leave.
Make a list of your pet’s favorite hiding places. This will prevent the pet sitter from worrying if your pet is not where expected—the sitter will know where to look.
Provide your own preferred method of flea control, even if your pets are currently flea free. Fleas multiply rapidly and can become a problem very quickly.
If you own both dogs and cats, do not ask the sitter to care for the dogs and “just ignore the cats;” in order to save a few dollars. A sitter’s professionalism, ethic responsibility and conscience would not allow the oversight of a cat in need of food, medical care or human attention. (And, most pet sitters charge by time, not by the number of pets, anyway.)
If your dog growls or snaps at a pet sitter during a "get-acquainted visit,” understand that the pet sitter may ask that you make other arrangements for your dog’s care during your absence.
Be honest about your pet’s quirks, i.e. a dog that is nervous about having his leash put on, or a cat that does not like to be petted. The more your pet sitter knows, the better equipped she is to care for your pets.

How much should I tip my pet sitter?

Pet sitters work hard and often get overlooked. They care for your pets with a great deal of love, and frequently go “above and beyond” the call of duty. If you were provided with great service, it is appropriate to tip your pet sitter 10-20% of the total bill.

When is it not appropriate to hire a pet sitter?

There are some cases where pet sitting may not be the best alternative for your pet. Here are some examples:

Most pet sitters are able to give your pet basic oral medication, and many can administer insulin injections. Some pet sitters can give sub-coetaneous fluids as well. If your pet is in failing health, or requires more intensive care, we would suggest boarding your pet at your vet’s office, which can provide 24 hour care.
If your pet is aggressive, or doesn’t react well to visitors or strange people entering your house, it would be best to board your pet.
If your pet gets very destructive in your absence, or suffers from severe separation anxiety, he or she may be better off at a boarding kennel around other dogs and people.

Are all pet sitters the same?

No, they are not. It is important to make sure that your pet sitter is a professional--that they carry liability insurance specific to pet sitting, are bonded (if they have others working for them), that they have ample experience with pets, and have taken measures to ensure that they can handle pet care emergencies. (Many pet sitters have taken pet first aid training through the American Red Cross, or have acquired other certifications to ensure you the best possible service.) There are many occasional pet sitters and errand services that provide pet sitting, but they may not be the best choice, especially if your pet has special needs. By choosing a pet sitter from LAPPS, you will be assured a professional pet sitter, one who is experienced and dedicated to caring for pets. While most pet sitters travel to the client's home to care for pets, some pet sitters board pets in their homes. LAPPS does not condone this, as it requires additional coverage that is not provided by standard pet sitting insurance. Always be sure to ask if your pet care provider is insured for whatever type of care they are providing. (Most pet sitters are not insured adequately for pet sitting on farms. To be sure they are adequetely covered, ask to see their policy!) Finally, be sure to ask for references from any pet sitter you use. It is important to hear from their clients, so that you can ascertain that they are reputable.

League of Arkansas Professional Pet Sitters

League of Arkansas
Professional
Pet Sitters