For my first blog post I want to talk about the differences between a hobby pet sitter and a professional pet sitter, and why you should always choose the latter. We all want to save money, however, when it comes to caregiving, cheaper isn’t always better.
A hobby pet sitter is not an actual business- anybody can be a hobby pet sitter. They often free time or on the weekends. Since they just do it from time to time, they often charge less for their “services”. Sure, they may love pets, but they have not pursued ongoing education or certifications related to pet care. These are the types of pet sitters you find on websites such as Rover and Wag. Hobby pet sitters do not need to be licensed or insured, they are not required to have any First Aid and CPR training, and they are usually not held responsible should anything happen to your pet.
A professional pet sitter has spent time, money, and resources into making this a career. They will most likely have joined a pet sitter’s association (such as PSI), they will have a legal contract set in place, and authorization forms for vets. They will have purchased liability insurance to protect your pet, be licensed (if their state requires it), and may have bonding coverage to protect your home. They take continuing education classes, read books on pet care/training/animal behavior, and will read peer-reviewed papers and magazines to expand their knowledge of pet care. They attend webinars and seminars, and attended First Aid and CPR classes so they know exactly what to do in an emergency.They also try create a network of professionals to help quickly in any emergency situation. Professional pet sitters often charge more because they offer more, invest more of themselves, and have expenses just like any other legitimate business. And, most importantly, they offer peace of mind that your pet will be well taken care of.
Sure, it may be tempting to save a few dollars by hiring your niece or neighbor to watch over your pet while you’re away. But, will they be able to tell when your pet is in distress or having a seizure? And, if they can tell- will they know what to do in those kinds of situations? A professional pet sitter would.