How to Provide Holiday Petsitting

 During the holidays, there are a lot of opportunities for a Petsitter to work. People go out of town to visit exotic places or faraway family and friends. During their absence, they want their cats to be comfortable.

While an overnight trip may not provide much opportunity for the Petsitter, the weekend or weeklong visits to those at a distance can provide you with the opportunity to help by providing your services.

The biggest drawback for Petsitters at this time of year is that they cannot do the same thing -- go visit faraway family and friends. However; if your family is close, you can visit the animals left home alone and also your family and friends. And make a little money at the same time.

Remember that pets get into trouble around the holidays: tinsel, snow spray, cold weather, parked cars, holiday plants; can all present irresistable temptations to them. Especially with no one around to tell them "no" to control their behaviors or their access to these items. As the Petsitter, you need to be extra vigilant in your visits, and prepared for the worst. Nothing would be more heartbreaking than for an owner to come home to a seriously injured or ill pet because the Petsitter did not come as promised -- or did not notice the developing problem.

Don't be afraid to remove the offending items from the animal's reach. Or, failing that, remove the animal from the threat. Whatever works to keep the animals safe, sound and cared for is what you need to do. Be prepared with carrier, treats and some homeopathic treatments to calm and soothe the animal. Be sure you have the vet's phone number and address, and know the most direct route from your charge's home.

Also, be sure your insurance is up to date. Your clients will be glad to have you watch their homes during this crime-prone time of year. An empty home is a target for burglars, but your presence will be noticed. And the animals will be safer for it, too! Think of the unwary burglar meeting Fido or Fluffy and the animal coming to harm because of it. Not a pretty picture. By your continued, and erratic, presence, you can prevent a burglary and protect your charges. Remember to stagger your visits and not show up at the same time every day. This will really help you and your clients.

Perhaps you can add this to your Petsitting resume? Why not! Every positive experience your clients have with you builds your reputation in the area as a dependable, qualified Petsitter. You might even get into the "Grand Paw" or "Grand Meow" categories, as the master Petsitter in your area!







About the author:

Copyright 2005, Morgen Marshall For the Love of Cats dot com

 Morgen Marshall

More Articles 

How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas And Ticks - Bridget Mwape
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats, humans and other species. There are many different types of flea each one specific to the animal that it lives on. The most frequent fleas found in the home are the cat flea and dog...

Seizures in Pets - Michael Podell DVM
The diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders in small animals are similar in many respects to the diagnosis and treatment of other ailments: a historical problem arises, a therapy is started to treat the underlying disease and/or signs of...

Nutrition and Arthritic Pets - JR Rogers
We have talked about the importance of both diet and exercise when dealing with a pet that has arthritis. I think that diet is such an important issue that it is one we should discuss in greater detail. It is becoming common knowledge that as...

Homeopathy For People & Pets - David the Dogman
from David the Dogman Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special...

RecoveryPets.Com Dispels The Myths - Thaddeus Collins
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided by a website entitled RecoveryPets.Com was compared to microchips and tattoos, and were they a better option to providing identification for pets. During this discussion a lot of...

Express your Pets Personality Through Creative Art - Anthony Palmieri
People find many ways to express their personality, whether it is through sports, music, art, or another outlet. In any case the creative nature that we have comes to the surface once we have the tools and have developed ability to accomplish...

Pigs as Pets - Mark Haakonsen
Mention the word pig, and most peoples' first thoughts are of dirty creatures that bacon comes from. However, in reality, pigs are quite the opposite, they are very smart and very clean animals that make a great pet. Pigs have been kept...

Your Pet's Health - What Every Pet Owner Should Know - Teresa Schahcinski
So you want to purchase a dog or cat. There is something you should know before you take the leap. House pets are to be taken care of like your very own children; it is natural that they become part of the family. All animals have wants, needs and...

Accommodating Your Elderly Pets - Kim Prissel
When pets get older, there are some accommodations you may want to make for them. A pet's behavior may change as it ages. The first recommendation would be a visit to the veterinarian. Many symptoms interpreted in elderly contributed to age may...

Diabetes in Pets - Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital
Your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that will necessitate conscientious treatment on your part for insulin administration, diet control and monitoring. Since your animal cannot control his blood sugar, you will play an important...

Pet Insurance Guide - Pet Insurance Is Vital For Your Pets - Gagandeep Dhaliwal
Pet insurance covers all veterinary costs in case your pet is ill or needs some care. Several insurance policies also pay a sum of money if your pet dies, lost or stolen. Insurance companies offer complete dog and cat insurance coverage at very...

Useful Steps On Deceiving Your Pets To Take Pet Meds - John Rivers
All pets depend on their owners with everything they need. Their owners usually give even the basic things to them. These include foods, shelter and pet medications. Pet owners who greatly know about pet meds are likely to distinguish the...