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