Anyone used Pet Sitters?

[originalspa]

Hi All,

Just wondered if anyone has ever used the above? My partner is meeting a pet sitter for our cats while we go away but I'm really uneasy about the idea, as I don't want a stranger in my house going through my stuff!!

Maybe I'm paranoid but I'm not keen on leaving my house keys with a total stranger. I'm not meeting her as I'm working but I'd know I'd want references!

Any other tips?

Will be discussing this later when I get back!!

Cheers!

[mollykins]

yes, and ones' where they stay at yours, and your pet stays at there's.

However i have a dog, and the one that stayed at ours, work s with my dad part time and does dog walking/ sitting in her spare time, so we knew we could trust her round our house, anyway her son is allergic to dogs so couldn't stay at hers.

We have also left molly at other people's houses before, and she got on fine, even though she has tablets, which aren't the same every day.

[lankeela]

Remember that anyone doing this is doing it because they like animals, and if they want to get repeat business or recommendations then they need to be honest and reliable. I did it way back in the late 80's before it became the in thing, and never had a problem with animals, it was always something household like the fuses blowing, or one time they gave me the wrong keys and I had to climb over a garage roof into the garden to get in an open window round the back. Luckily the police were not called as there were no neighbours! As long as they are from a reputable agency or come recommended you should be ok, and of course they must have insurance in case they break your best ming vase. I still do it occasionally usually for friends who go to dog shows and I got a call today asking me if I could go and feed someones pups while they were out for the day. As for going through your things, I have never done anything like that, but if you are worried (or have something to hide lol) just put a note on the doors of the rooms saying please don't open- I am sure they won't be offended.
although they might think you have got an evil old great aunt locked up in there.

[Barmaid]

I have used a pet sitter from an agency on numerous ocassions. They are insured and CRB checked. I have to say the last lady I had was absolutely fantastic and clearly adored my cats. Would definitely recommend it and its far less stressful than putting them in a cattery.

[originalspa]

Thanks for all your input!! Very useful!

My partner quite liked her and she had all the paperwork, that I checked through, including insurance and references, and she liked the cats, so I may just give it a go!!

LOL at Lankeela, I haven't any strange relatives hiding in the cellar or anything and most of my valuables are stored away anyway!

[bensmum]

I run a small pet-sitting business, am insured and CRB checked of course. I would never dream of going through anyone's stuff - I only go into rooms that are open or if I've been asked to go in (water plants etc). I appreciate the trust my customers put in me and have never abused it. Anyone running a business like this can't afford to lose business because they are nosy and rely very much on recommendations from customers so I'm sure you have made a good choice. Your cats will be much happier in their own environment

[wazzamatter]

We always use the ones where your pet stays at the sitters home and found them very reliable