How to Choose the Right Best Friend for Your Best Friend: 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Walker or Sitter

At Powder Paws, we know how big choosing the right pet care provider can feel! Your furry friend deserves a trustworthy, reliable, caring, and experienced person who understands their unique needs (and wants). A trusted friend or neighbor can be a great option, until it’s not… That’s exactly why we do what we do!

A professional pet care service does come at a higher price tag, but that cost comes with peace of mind that is invaluable! Powder Paws continually invests in pet education and improving our systems and team to offer a truly unparalleled pet care service here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Our mission is to go above and beyond, ensuring that every dog walk and pet sit is safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your pet. Meanwhile, you feel like you have the best team of personal assistants who are absolutely obsessed with your favorite family member!

Now, let the experts give you some tried and true advice before hiring a pet care provider. Even if Powder Paws isn’t your perfect match, we want to help you make the best choice!

And no, this blog isn’t solely a sales pitch to go with us, but you may find us to be the best option anyway ;)

aSk What Experience Do they Have with Pets

Not all pet sitters and dog walkers have the same level of experience. Ask about their background with animals, whether they’ve worked with different breeds, sizes, or temperaments. If your pet has special needs or behavioral quirks, make sure the walker has experience handling similar situations! Not every person will know how to best work with a reactive, elderly, or young pet!

Are they Insured and Bonded?

A professional pet sitter or dog walker should have insurance to cover accidents, injuries, or unexpected incidents when they are at fault. Bonding provides extra protection in case of theft or damage to your property. Hiring someone with these credentials ensures they take their business seriously, care about their clients’ well-being, property, and privacy, and prioritize safety.

Do they have Emergencies protocols and systems for when things don’t go according to plan?

It’s crucial to know how your pet sitter or dog walker would react in an emergency, whether it’s a medical issue, an aggressive dog encounter, or extreme weather conditions (hello, Steamboat!!!). Are they asking you for an emergency contact or who your preferred vet is? Are they ensuring they have a second way to access your home if the garage code panel freezes? Ask about their training in pet first aid, their emergency protocols, and their protocols for handling urgent situations.

This is an important time to consider how valuable a team based approach can be. If they are working independently, who will come if they get sick, have an accident, or can’t make it in time to check on your pet?

Will My Pet Be Alone or will this person be bringing another clienT, partner, or personal pet?

Some gig pet sitters and dog walkers have personal pets, partners, or even other clients that they bring with them when staying at your home (or when your pet stays at theirs). Is this something your comfortable with? What if they don’t get along? Are they taking the time prior to make an introduction? Do they have any sort of privacy statement or policy to protect you?

If your pet prefers one-on-one attention, doesn’t get along well with other pets, or you’d prefer to not have other animals (or people) in your home, you’ll want to find someone who offers private dog walks and offers pet sitting without needing their pet or partner joining them. This is when a professional service may be the safest and most reliable option!

If you like the idea of your pet having some socialization beyond your pet sitter or dog walker, a professional company may offer opportunities for safe and organized social outings through pack hikes or adventure services! This could be a great opportunity for a young or social dog.

Can they Provide References or Reviews?

A reputable pet sitter or dog walker should have references from happy clients or online reviews that vouch for their reliability and quality of service. Ask for testimonials or check their website, Google reviews, and social media for customer feedback!

Do they have a Cancellation and Scheduling Policy that aligns with your needs and lifestyle?

Life happens, and you might need to cancel or reschedule a walk occasionally. What about a last minute need? Will they be available to you? Clarify their policies on cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds. Also, find out how far in advance you need to book to secure a spot in their schedule. Often you can look online at a FAQ page or through their scheduling program in case you forget.

how do they communicate? can you expect Updates About your Pet?

Many professional pet sitters and dog walkers provide updates, such as text messages, photos, or written reports every time they see your pet. Knowing how you’ll be informed about your pet’s activities can give you peace of mind while you’re away. Do they respond quickly or leave you waiting for hours to hear back?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pet sitter or dog walker MUST be about more than just convenience or getting the best deal…you should not look for a bargin when finding care for your furry family member. Cost directly translates to the levels of trust, safety, reliability you can expect from this person or company. Ensuring your pet’s happiness and well-being is a cost well-worth investing in. By asking these key questions, you can feel confident in your decision and find someone who truly cares for your furry friend AND holds themselves to a respectable standard of care.

Are you looking for the best option for reliable and loving pet care in Steamboat Springs, CO? Contact Powder Paws today to learn how we can provide unmatched care for your pet!