It is coming up to holiday season which means that most of us are getting excited about planning our summer holidays and looking forward to lying on a beach or pool and soaking up some sun. But for those of us who are dog lovers and owners we have an additional challenge on top of finding the perfect holiday – deciding who will look after our dogs.

Many of us will contact our local dog boarding centre or kennels, but sometimes we might leave it too late to get our dogs booked in for the exact dates we want for our summer holidays. But did you know that there is another option?

The Perfect Dog Sitter

Just as we can find and hire suitably qualified babysitters for our children, we can how find and hire suitably qualified dog sitters to look after our dogs while we are away. The dog sitter you choose will be able to give your dog a comfortable home from home, leaving you to enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind that your dog is being well looked after.

Here are five top things to consider when looking for and engaging a dog sitter to look after your dog when you are away on holiday:

Calmness

Anyone with a dog knows that things do not always go according to plan. If your dog doesn’t behave as expected, a dog sitter must always remain calm and patient, so it doesn’t feel and pick up on any anxiety from the dog sitter.

Sensitivity

A good dog sitter will recognize the needs of your dog and respond to them. They should realize when your dog doesn’t want to play anymore and give them the space they need. Always look for someone who handles your dog with affection and never allow them to use physical punishment or force, like pulling on your dog’s lead during a walk.

Trustworthy

This is one of the most important traits that any dog sitter should have. Since you will be handing over your spare keys to your dog sitter, it is extremely important that you know you can trust that person. Check their references or run a full background check before engaging them as your dog sitter and never, ever ignore your gut – if you have a bad feeling about a dog sitter when you meet them – don’t engage them.

Experienced

If your dog has challenging behaviors or is high maintenance in terms of their care, it is essential you engage a dog sitter who has lots of experience. For example, if you have a big and dominant German Shepherd you should not hire a dog sitter who is new to the profession. Ensure whoever you engage has experience with handling large dogs and who can provide references or certificates to show their experience level. If your dog has a medical condition or needs any kind of specialist treatment, consider a dog sitter who has experience in this area.

A Connection to Your Dog

It is essential to set up a “meet and greet” with your prospective dog sitter, preferably with more than one of these. Watch for any warning signs that your dog is not comfortable with the prospective dog sitter or that the dog sitter is not handling your pet correctly. This kind of observation is a great way to tell if they really do have the experience with dogs that they claim to have.

Final Thoughts

While finding the perfect dog sitter can be a daunting prospect, you can take all the stress and strain out of this by engaging a dog sitter via a reputable company such as DogBuddy. Through this online platform you can find the perfect dog sitter for your dog while you are away on holiday, and their interactive guide is invaluable to helping you understand your dogs needs while you are away. Not only will you have a lovely relaxing holiday, so will your beloved dog!