Finding the right dog sitter in Buffalo, NY is essential for making sure your pup gets the care they deserve. Whether you’re heading out of town or just need extra help with your dog's routine, asking the right questions will make all the difference in choosing a reliable and trustworthy sitter. Here are the top 10 questions we recommend to ask when hiring a pet sitting professional in Buffalo.
1. Are You Experienced with Dogs Similar to Mine?
Your dog is a unique individual and we know dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. It’s important to find a dog sitter who has experience with similar breeds, ages, and personalities like your dog’s. Particularly if your dog has any special needs, behavioral challenges, medical issues, or quirks, make sure to ask if they’ve handled similar situations before.
2. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all dog sitters in Buffalo provide the same services. Some specialize in overnight care, while others may focus on daily drop in pet sitting visits, dog walks, or administering medication administration. Think about what your pet needs, and confirm the sitter can meet them.
3. Are You Insured and Bonded?
Hiring an insured and bonded sitter offers peace of mind in case of accidents or unexpected issues. It shows they take their pet sitting business in Buffalo seriously and are committed to professionalism. Go one step further and make sure the company hires employees, and not independent contractors (which may make headaches for taxes, injuries on your property, and other hassles).
4. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Ask for reviews or testimonials from other local clients. Many professional dog sitters in Buffalo, NY will have Google reviews or references from happy pet parents. Positive feedback is a great way to gauge their reliability and care. Read a few reviews and get a sense of the type of company and individuals you and your pet may be interacting with. It's not enough to know pets - your pet care provider should also care about their clients and treat the humans well too.
5. What Does a Typical Visit Look Like?
Find out what a typical visit entails. Do they include playtime, feeding, walking, and cleanup? Knowing how they’ll spend their time with your dog can help ensure your pet’s routine stays consistent. Is there flexibility if your pet needs something out of the ordinary?
6. How Do You Handle Emergencies?
Emergencies happen, and it’s important to know how your sitter will respond. Whether it’s a health issue or severe weather common in Buffalo, make sure you know what the plan is to keep your dog safe. You should always have an emergency vet and a local, reliable emergency contact on file with your pet sitter.
7. Do You Offer Meet-and-Greets?
A meet-and-greet or new client meeting is an excellent opportunity for you to ask all of your burning questions and gage how the individual or company interacts with your pet. Many pet sitting services in Buffalo offer this as part of their onboarding process.
8. Are You Certified in Pet First Aid?
Certification in pet first aid is a bonus that shows a sitter’s dedication to safety. While not all dog sitters in Buffalo, NY will have this training, it’s worth asking- particularly if your dog has any medical concerns. What other safety precautions does your pet sitter take?
9. How Do You Communicate Updates?
Daily updates, photos, or videos can make a world of difference when you’re away. Ask how the sitter will keep you informed about your dog’s well-being during their care. You may be on vacation, but you want to know that your pup is happy and loved while you are away!
10. Why Should I Choose You?
Finally, ask what sets them apart from other pet sitting professionals in Buffalo. Their answer can reveal their passion, dedication, and unique approach to caring for your beloved pet. Make sure you think about what qualities are most important to you - safety, trustworthiness, professionalism, warmth and kindness - and make sure it's a solid match.
Trust Your Instincts When Hiring a Dog Sitter
When it comes to your dog, nothing is more important than their happiness and safety. By asking these questions, you’ll feel confident in your choice of a dog sitter in Buffalo, NY.
At Buffalo Dog Walkers, we’re proud to offer professional, personalized pet sitting services in Buffalo. Our experienced team is insured, bonded, and passionate about giving your dog the care and attention they deserve. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a meet-and-greet!
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