[Alley]

I need advice on how to find a sitter for when we go on trips. Generally we're just gone for 3 or 4 days. Every now and then we'll go for a week.

If your mom or sister or best neighbor sits for you, no need to respond. I'm most interested in how to track down a great sitter. I don't have family in this state.

I have a cat sitter, but she's encouraging me to kennel my GSD. She recommended one that sounds really friendly and good but there's that weird virus going around that hit Ohio, CA and Michigan. They say that dogs hanging out in play groups or kennels are more likely to get that virus.

So for that reason I'd like to keep my guy at home with my cat. I should add that my GSD is only 2.5 years so very active. We'd have a pet sitter come over at least 3 times a day to play ball and cuddle and walk him.

When I told my cat sitter -- who also does dogs -- about the virus she just kept saying my GSD could use a kennel for the social. (She makes the same pay whether she's doing just our cat or both cat and dog.)

Anyway, how did you locate a good sitter. And what do you look for/expect?

Alley

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

One of the many reasons dog classes are so great is you meet other crazy dog people that love and care for their dogs as much as you do. PLUS they have dogs and will also need dog sitters. Even more of a plus you will know them and their dogs so have an idea that everyone will get along!

I still have friends from the first dog classes I ever took over 10 years ago. Plus all the agility friends I gained afterwards.

 

[Alley]

One of the many reasons dog classes are so great is you meet other crazy dog people that love and care for their dogs as much as you do. PLUS they have dogs and will also need dog sitters. Even more of a plus you will know them and their dogs so have an idea that everyone will get along!

I still have friends from the first dog classes I ever took over 10 years ago. Plus all the agility friends I gained afterwards.

This is a fantastic idea. His manners class was excellent, but the teacher specifically asked that we not interact so that the dogs could really focus.

I assume that the agility classes are a lot more social. Never thought of this idea.

Thank you!

Alley

 

[kiya]

You could ask your vet. There is also a Petsitter website I can't remember the name. Then there is caregiver.com I was in a jam a while back. I had an interview with one woman who was supposed to come back for details she never returned my calls. Then at least 2 other sitters never returned my calls that was frustrating at least call me back and say your not interested. I called a friend and he said he couldn't do it but had a friend that just started a petsitting business. I met with her and she was even bonded.
Finding a Petsitter wasn't easy.