| If you are an owner that has a dog with dog | | | | |
| separation anxiety, the thought of leaving | | | | -Can you explain what dog separation anxiety |
| your dog when you go away on a vacation may | | | | entails? |
| seem extremely frustrating and daunting. Dogs | | | | |
| with separation anxiety feel extremely | | | | -Have you ever worked with dogs with this |
| anxiety when they're away from their owners | | | | type of condition before? |
| and you're probably worried about how he'll | | | | |
| respond in your absence. In this article, | | | | -Do you have any special training or |
| we'll discuss how to choose a professional | | | | certification in the pet sitting field? |
| dog sitter for your dog with dog separation | | | | |
| anxiety. We'll discuss how to find a great | | | | -What will you do if my dog becomes ill or |
| sitter as well as the questions to ask to | | | | experiences dog separation symptoms? |
| evaluate their professionalism and | | | | |
| credibility. In the end, you'll have the | | | | -Do you have any liability insurance that |
| tools you need to find a great sitter. So, | | | | covers accident or negligence on your part? |
| without further adieu, let's get started: | | | | |
| | | | -Are you bonded against theft? |
| First of all, you should get sitter | | | | |
| recommendation from other pet owners whose | | | | -Do you have reliable transportation? |
| dogs have dog separation anxiety. If you | | | | |
| don't know of anyone, ask your veterinarian | | | | -Can you please confirm your costs, what this |
| or your local humane society for a referral. | | | | entails? |
| You can also look in your local phonebook and | | | | |
| then contact local sitters to see if they | | | | -During a visit, will you interact and play |
| have experience with this condition. Once you | | | | with my dog? |
| find some suitable prospects, write down | | | | |
| their contact information. | | | | -Will you record my dog's daily activities |
| | | | for me? |
| Next, you will take your list and contact all | | | | |
| prospects by phone in order to conduct a | | | | -Are you comfortable administering |
| preliminary interview. Here are some | | | | medications to dogs? |
| questions: | | | | |
| | | | -Do you have a replacement sitter in case you |
| -Are you available on XYZ date? | | | | can't perform your duties? |
| | | | |
| -What are your prices and what does this | | | | If so, can I meet with the back up person? |
| include? | | | | |
| | | | Listen carefully to the prospect's answers |
| -Do you have any experience with dogs with | | | | and keep a visual record of their response. |
| special needs? | | | | Before they leave, obtain references and |
| | | | other relevant documentations. Once they're |
| -Are you available for home interview? | | | | gone, jot down your initial impressions. Once |
| | | | you make a selection, verify references and |
| After you have narrowed down the prospects, | | | | follow up with the prospect. You may even |
| invite them over to your house and see how | | | | want to sign a contract at this point. |
| they interact with your dog. Are they | | | | |
| friendly, caring and trustworthy? Do they | | | | Before you leave for your trip, visit with |
| have a good animal rapport? Do you feel | | | | your new pet sitter one more time. Be clear |
| comfortable in their presence? Do they have | | | | about emergency and administration of any |
| good communication skills? | | | | medications. Make sure that your new pet |
| | | | sitter has your veterinarian's contact |
| Next, you'll want to conduct an in person | | | | information as well as emergency contact for |
| interview. During this process, your goal is | | | | you while you're away. Once you do this, you |
| to learn as much as you can about your | | | | should feel confident that you've made the |
| prospects as possible.. Here are some samples | | | | right decision and that your dog is in good |
| questions you should ask: | | | | hands! |