Cutest Pest of Porter County Magazine March 2020

Why You Should Use a Professional Pet Sitter
By Laurie Robinson, CPPS
Leaving pets at home alone, whether it be for daily
work hours or during a family vacation, is never easy
for any pet parent to do. Most pet owners have likely
considered many pet-care options from boarding to
asking a neighbor or family member to help out. But
for pet owners who want the very best in-home care
for their fur kids, professional pet sitters are a perfect
option.
What does a professional pet sitter do?
Professional pet sitters visit the home of the pet
while the pet owner is away on vacation or working
long hours. Duties include feeding and changing
water bowls, walking, exercise and play time,
cleaning litter boxes, cleaning up any pet messes,
medicating the pet (if applicable) and providing
lots of love and companionship.
What is the difference between a professional
pet sitter and someone who
works for one of the pet sitting apps?
The differences are quite remarkable. While
professional pet sitters are experts in their field,
hobbyist sitters (like those who work for selfproclaimed
“tech company” apps) are walking
dogs as a hobby or part-time side job. These “sitters”
are rarely vetted or pre-screened. Conversely,
many professional pet sitting companies employ
an extensive application and interview process.
Professional sitters often undergo background
checks and illegal drug screens.
Another reason that professional pet sitters are far
superior to their tech company app counterparts
is because of insurance and training. Professional
sitters have their own business insurance and
bonding, versus hobby pet sitters who only have
limited coverage under the tech company app, or
no insurance at all. This is important in the case
of pet illness or injury as the professional sitter’s
business insurance normally covers animals under
the care of the pro. Additionally, professional pet
sitters have extensive training in the pet care field
and may even be certified to care for your pet
after undergoing coursework, examination and
continuing education.
What are the benefits of using a professional
pet sitter?
While some pets do fine while being boarded
in a kennel environment, most prefer the sights,
sounds and smells of their own homes. Pets often
experience less stress and are happier being
at home versus in a kennel or boarding facility.
Additionally, pet parents do not have to rely on
untrained or unwilling friends or family members to
care for the pets while the owners are away. Pets,
especially dogs, are creatures of habit, so using a
professional, in-home pet sitter allows for the pet’s
feeding and exercise routines to be maintained.
Finally, there is a minimal risk of exposure to pet
illnesses if the pet remains in the comfort of its own
home environment.
Whether you are heading out of town for the
weekend, or working long hours at the office, only
entrust the care of your furry family members to a
professional pet sitter. You will have the peace of
mind in knowing that your pets are in the hands of
a true professional and your pets will receive the
quality care and TLC that they deserve.
About the author: Laurie Robinson, Owner of
Rover’s Recess, Inc., has been a professional pet
sitter since 2007. She is a Certified Professional Pet
Sitter (CPPS) and she holds a certificate in Canine
Behavior Modification from Purdue University.
Laurie and her staff sitters are bonded, insured and
pet CPR certified. Visit www.roversrecess.dog for
more information.
14 March 2020 | Cutest Pets of Porter County