For most pet parents, leaving them behind while they go away on vacation or travel for work can be stressful and difficult. Choosing who to trust to care for our beloved pets in our absence is not a decision we should not take lightly.
While having a friend or family member watch over a pet might seem appealing, it’s important to recognize the drawbacks and consider hiring a professional pet sitter instead.
According to IBIS World, pet sitting services in the United States continue to rise. As of 2023, there were 162,814 pet care businesses nationwide, up 5.8% from 2022. The pet sitting industry has been on a steady incline since 2013 as more and more pet parents choose a professional pet sitter over having a friend watch their pet.
Read on as we discuss why having a friend watch your pet isn’t always the best idea and why hiring a professional pet sitter can be a much better choice for you and your pet.
Friends and Family Mean Well, But Are They the Right Choice to Watch Your Pet?
While it may be true that your friend loves animals, it’s important to remember that they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as a professional pet sitter. The result could be inconsistent and unreliable care that could put your pet and others at risk.
Here are some of the most common reasons why having a friend or a family member watch your pet isn’t always the best choice:
Friends and Family May Lack Experience and Knowledge
A professional pet sitter has undergone training and has years of experience working with all types of animals. They know how to properly care for your pet, from managing feeding schedules and exercise routines to administering necessary medication.
A pet sitter will also know what signs to look for in an emergency and how to handle them.
A friend’s lack of knowledge or experience may result in mistakes being made or essential details being overlooked. In addition, your friend may not be familiar with your pet’s specific needs, which can cause unnecessary stress or harm.
While a friend will always have the best intentions, they simply may not know how to properly care for your pet.
Friends and Family May Offer Inconsistent Care
Unfortunately, when you have a friend or a family member care for your pet while you are away, you are not guaranteed the consistency your pet needs.
A professional pet sitter will have a set routine and ensure that your pet receives the same level of care each day that you are away. Pet sitters understand that consistency is vital to your pets’ mental and physical well-being and will ensure that they are fed, exercised, and given attention at the same time each day.
Often, our friends and family members have other obligations or may not have the same level of commitment as a professional pet sitter. They may not stick to the same feeding schedule or exercise routine, which can cause stress for your pet.
Additionally, a friend may be unable to give your pet the attention they need, leading to behavior issues or separation anxiety.
Friends and Family May Pose a Greater Risk
Accidents can happen when you leave your pet in someone else’s care.
Pets can be unpredictable, and even the most well-behaved animals can cause damage to your home or, worse, injury or harm to other animals and humans.
A professional pet sitter is a trained professional who can adequately care for your home and take precautions to prevent accidents. They will also be insured in case something does happen while they are caring for your pet.
Friends and Family Won’t Always Have a Backup Plan
Every professional pet sitter has a backup plan in case of an emergency.
Professional pet sitters understand that emergencies can happen, and they will have a plan in place to make sure that your pet is cared for if they are unable to do so. They will also have a network of other pet sitters they can call upon in an emergency.
On the other hand, a friend may not have a backup plan in place. If they become sick or have an emergency, there may not be anyone available to care for your pet. That can leave you scrambling to find a last-minute replacement or even result in your pet being left alone for an extended period.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter?
Now that we have discussed why having a friend watch your pet isn’t always a good idea, let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter in Rockledge, Viera, Suntree & Melbourne.
A Pet Sitter Offers Peace of Mind
One of the most significant benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter is the peace of mind that it provides.
When you hire a pet sitter, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands and will receive the care and attention they need. You can also know that someone is checking in on your home’s security as well.
A professional pet sitter will provide regular updates and can even send pictures to let you know how your pet is doing.
Pet Sitters Offer Customized Care
Another benefit of hiring a professional pet sitter is that they can provide customized care for your pet.
A pet sitter will take the time to get to know your pet and tailor their care to meet their specific needs. They will also be able to accommodate any special requests you may have, such as administering medication or providing extra playtime.
A Pet Sitter Offers Reliable Care
Professional pet sitters are reliable and dependable. They understand the importance of showing up on time and will ensure your pet receives daily care.
Your pet sitter will be available to answer any questions and provide updates on your pet’s well-being.
A Pet Sitter Offers a No-Stress Solution for You and Your Pet
Leaving your pet in the care of a stranger can be stressful for you and your pet. However, a professional pet sitter will ensure your pet is comfortable and at ease.
Pet sitters create safe and secure environments where pets get the attention they need to feel loved and cared for.
Friends and Family vs. A Professional Pet Sitter
While having a friend watch your pet may seem like a good idea, weighing the pros and cons is important.
Hiring a professional pet sitter provides many benefits, including peace of mind, customized care, reliable service, and low stress for your pet.
A professional pet sitter has the knowledge and experience to care for your pet correctly and will provide consistent daily care, providing you with the peace of mind you desire and the personal care your pet deserves.
When choosing the right person to care for a pet, a professional pet sitter is often the most reasonable choice to provide the best possible care.
At Space Coast Pet Services, we offer the highest level of professionalism and security. Each of our team members, when we have a team, has undergone a full background check, including driving records, is pet first aid & CPR certified, and is trained to best care for your furry loved one.
Our pet care services include dog walking, pet sitting, home visits, cat sitting, family-style dog boarding, and more..
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a meet and greet!
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