Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Scottsdale, AZ

Do as much as possible to ensure that things are safe and secure for your pets and pet sitter before you go away:

1. Unplug any electrical appliances that will not be used to prevent injury to pets or damage during an electrical storm.
2. Close the door on the clothes dryer.
3. Consider leaving the radio on to keep your pet company (and deter crime).
4. Clean up anything that might be accidentally swallowed by your pet (Christmas tree tinsel, pine needles, string, ribbon or other holiday items).
5. Never leave your pet in the garage.  Too many toxic substances may be stored there. If you feel you must, pet-proof the garage first.
6. Make sure that indoor pets are inside.
7. If your cat(s) escape(s) beforehand, let the sitter know to look for the animal(s) outside.

If you are going to be away for a while, take steps to make sure everything is taken care of before you go.

1. Leave a piece of clothing that you’ve recently worn near where your pet sleeps as a reminder of you.
2. Display the name and phone number of your vet in a prominent place.
3. Place out appropriate food and water bowls for your pet’s use.  Clean them beforehand.
4. Put everything needed for your pet’s care in a specific area so the sitter doesn’t have to search for leashes, food or medications.  Let the sitter know where these items are.
5. If the sitter will be coming in the evening, hook up a timer light so he/she will not have to come to a dark house. It will be homier for your pet as well.
6. Provide an emergency contact with a key in case of an emergency or inclement weather.
7. Give the pet sitter the neighbor’s name and phone number.

These are very helpful and valid tips that we ask all of our pet sitting clients to do before they leave. It helps make the pet sitting experience all the more excellent!

This information has been adapted from NAPPS.

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