5 Signs of a Bad Pet Sitter

catlaserpointerOMG!!! We here at Snug At Home Pet Sitting have heard ALL of these from new clients. Sure, things happen. Pet sitting can be challenging sometimes. Pets can be unpredictable, and provisions have to be made. We had one exception to Rule #5 recently, when clients consulted us about pet sitting their aggressive cat, a real My Cat From Hell case. Their two dogs put their complete trust in us, but the cat wasn’t having any of it.
First day of pet sitting, the cat clearly didn’t want anyone touching her things! Swatting at my hands as I put the lid back on the litterbox, batting the can of cat food out of my hand, clawing my ankles, reaching up as though she wanted to be picked up, then clawing her way slowly up my legs–chik! chik! chik!–like a rock climber– ?? This was the very first time that I as an avowed cat person had to deal with such a rowdy client.
She’d claw on the hamper, and when I told her ‘No’, she clearly gave me the bird and kept scratching.
Several bloody hands later, a laser pointer was revealed to do the trick in redirecting the cat so that pet sitting duties could be completed before spending some rigorous playtime to make the kitty content. Jackson Galaxy would have been proud.
I told her parents all these stories when they returned, and they were glad, because they were hoping to find a pet sitter who could handle this spoiled kitty. The clients were delighted to see my laser pointer expertise, and decided to get one for their precocious pet.
But you are always going to want to be sure your pet sitter is ON THEIR GAME! Are all your money and valuables still where you left them? Is your liquor cabinet not as full as before? Does your home security keypad show that the petsitter only showed up THREE TIMES in the FIVE days you were gone???
Our policy at Snug At Home is to pretend that EVERY home has full video surveillance. We want you to be satisfied with our service EACH AND EVERY TIME. And if you ever rely on another pet sitter in the future, here are some things you really want to look for.

english-bulldog-puppy-shutterstock_43681333Avoiding the ‘Black Sheep’

Naturally we all want the best care possible for our pets, especially if we’re away for days at a time. Pet sitters are a great solution, but how do you know if you’ve hired someone who has your pet’s best interests at heart? Here are some clues to pay particular attention to upon your return. While some of these tips seem obvious, overlooking them can lead to insufficient care going on longer than it should.

Portions excerpted from a Pet360 article by Valerie Trumps

dachshund-dog-food-shutterstock_974581371. Disorderly Feeding Area

What is the condition of your pet’s water bowl? Is it dirty, or worse, completely dried up? Even if the water bowl has run dry from an accident like your pet knocking it over, an attentive sitter should be checking the water level daily at a minimum, and twice a day if the weather is especially hot.

And don’t forget the food bowl. Are there bugs in it? Has dry food gotten wet and left to putrefy, or canned food gone crusty on the plate? A pet sitter who can’t stay on top of the minimal is someone who should be shown the door.

dog-accident-shutterstock_853305282. Evidence of ‘Accidents’

Do you see or smell any evidence of “accidents?” Not so obvious indications that your dog was taken out too late can include a scratched up door, suspicious carpet stains, or a lingering odor. On an extended basis, your dog can develop bladder infections from trying to hold his urine for too long, and possibly even behavioral issues regarding his potty practices. If you are a cat owner, does the litter box show signs of neglect? Too infrequent or inadequate cleanings may cause your kitty to seek out other places to relieve himself, or refuse to use his box at all.

cigarette-ash-tray-shutterstock_522678943. Lack of Respect for Your Property

Is your once-full refrigerator now bare? Do you smell cigarette smoke? Are your items moved around, or do they show signs of tampering? Is anything, especially valuables, missing? Have your neighbors reported unacceptable behavior, such as strangers being admitted into your home? Even if your pet sitter is providing overnight visits, appropriate behavior includes respect for your property. A pet sitter who does not inherently know these things should not have the responsibility of caring for your pet.

injured-cat-shutterstock_214030034. Unexplained Injuries

While occasional injuries to outdoor pets are not that unusual, a sudden or unexplained injury may be a cause for alarm. Signs to look for include a limp, cuts, bleeding, swelling of the limbs or around the face, and a general malaise.

angry-cat-shutterstock_96018503

5.Fearful or Hostile Pet

Another indication of potential abuse is when your pet is afraid of the sitter. Uncharacteristic hostility and aggression towards the person means it’s time to find another pet sitter.

youre-fired-shutterstock_104307521What to Do with Bad Pet Sitters

Making the decision to dismiss your pet sitter can be awkward and difficult, especially if your reason for doing so is nothing more than a sneaking suspicion. Regardless of whether the cause for dismissal is obvious or imagined, your pet’s health and well-being are dependent on your good judgment. Neglecting to take necessary action can have a far-reaching impact on both your psyche (i.e., guilt) and on the happiness and security of your pet.

At Snug At Home we are ALWAYS mindful of our responsibilities, and when you hand us your key or security code, it’s a Contract of Trust. It is our solemn promise to always give you the BEST pet care possible!
Check out the full article with proper credits at PetMD.com

dog-at-veterinarian

What’s the Best Way to Find a Great Sitter?

Here in the Fort Knox area, we live in a transient community. Clients move in for a couple of years, and then move on to another duty station. Other clients move away for various reasons. Now that you know what to look for in a bad sitter, if or when you move onto another location, you may have to start looking for a new one. You don’t want to end up with a bad apple. Read PetMD’s list of Top 10 Tips on Finding a Qualified and Professional Pet Sitter so that you’ll be well-prepared to ask all the right questions.

We are a military family who was fortunate enough to find Snug at Home when we first got to Ft. Knox! We have a couple kitties who have medical issues- so they’re on a special diet, get daily meds, one even has kidney disease and has to have fluids daily. Of course I was nervous that I wouldn’t find someone to handle my special kitties— Penny and Pam were amazing- they had no problems at all with caring for my brood.

They are kind and the cats all love them! Animals know good people- and if you want good people to care for your babies, Snug at Home is definitely who you can trust. Their pricing was affordable and they even offered a military discount. I am so grateful Snug at Home was there for us at Knox- definitely nervous we won’t find the same level of professionalism, care, and love at our next duty station.

Thank you for taking such amazing care of the Hosken Household!! The kitties will miss you, and so will we!

Molly and Andrew Hosken

Pam and Penny have always been very conscientious and are very kind to my animals in their care.
I have been a customer of theirs for years and have always been very satisfied.

P.S.: …Need you Oct. 2-8.

Gisela Goudy

We value the peace of mind of having our fur-babies cared for and loved when we are not home. Our current pet situation is not an easy one, but Snug at Home has no issues taking care of our pets and fosters, be it senior, sick or ornery! We are so thankful for these ladies who dedicate their time and love to make sure our pets are safe and happy when we are gone!

Camie Rodgers

I just called to book Snug At Home again. I am thrilled to have found such trustworthy and dependable caregivers for my kitties. It makes all the difference in being able to relax and enjoy a vacation or to be able to concentrate on a business trip when I know my kitties and my home are in such good hands. Pam is a treasure!

Alice Hart

five-star-reviewsnug

Madison Collins

Pam and Penny are exceptional pet lovers. There is no doubt in my mind when leaving my pets in their care.

Missy Carter-Shantal

We love Snug At Home and consider them to be a part of our family. We know our babies are in excellent hands while we are away. We have no worries while we are away. I highly recommend them!

Stephanie O'Sullivan

When I first started looking for a pet sitter when we moved to Radcliff I was lucky enough to come across these two lovely ladies, Penny and Pam. They have looked after my pets ever since and done a fantastic job, even going above and beyond to make sure they were comfortable and happy. I always leave a crate for them just in case my pup decides to have a party and chew a few things, that way they can put him up if needed. Thanks again for taking great care of our fur babies and I would definitely recommend Snug at home for all your pet sitting needs!

Linda Trigg

Both of these ladies are wonderful with animals. I highly recommend Snug at Home.

Audrey Nelson

We love to travel but hate leaving our furry family members behind. Snug@home is the best petsitting service around. Rest assured that your pet will receive the attention and care that they need. Thank you Penny and Pam, I don’t know what I’d do without you guys!

Elizabeth M. Edgar

I am so glad I found your FB page! You guys took such care of our babies while we were away, last year I can’t thank you enough! We know they are in good hands with you when we leave tomorrow for Florida! Thank you for providing reliable and affordable service for our furbabies!

Gretel Turner-Dick

Pam and Penny, thank you for your excellent sitter service while we were overseas visiting family. Being so far away….a little anxious to say the least, but you put us at ease and ‘everyone’ was happy. You took such good care of our eight kitties 🙂 We appreciate it very much.

Angie and Andrew

I can’t thank you guys enough! You brought sweet Bailey out of her shell and it was obvious Achilles had a wonderful time while we were away. Thank you very much! Being new to the area, we are so lucky to have found you. We look forward to having you watch our babies again!

Stephanie Gomez O'Sullivan

Snug at Home is a very responsible and capable company run by people who really care. I’m always glad to be able to keep my pets at home when I or my family travels, because my cats have special needs. My dogs also love the long walks and friendly interaction Snug at Home provides for them when I can’t be there. I can always trust this great company to care for my pets when I am not able to.

Sarah Faulkner

Hi. I have 4 dogs and 9 cats in my household. One of the dogs, a 75 lb. Border Collie, is paraplegic, but she’s a happy dog. Pam and Penny have been sitting for this bunch for years, and for the last couple of years they have been walking the dogs weekly. Annie outgrew her wheelchair, and seemed not strong enough for another, so she now rides along in a garden wagon. Penny and Pam can manage with or without me, as I’m often at work.
I wouldn’t have been able to travel without Penny and Pam. When I am gone on extended trips, I have to have someone actually spending hours a day with the animals, and they do, including one at least staying overnight, as needed. The dogs love them: they’re just as thrilled when their car pulls up as they are mine. I feel so easy leaving my pets in their care. The cats probably love them as much as the dogs do.
Pam and Penny also help me with grooming, and getting Annie to the vet. I can’t speak highly enough of them, and I couldn’t manage without them!

Renee Lestienne

Penny & Pam have watched our 4 cats while we were on vacation several times. They took very good care of them and my cats enjoyed having them in the home and would welcome them when they arrived.
2 of our cats are very shy and hide but they are comfortable with Pam & Penny. We also have an elder kitty at 17 that requires medicine and they have no problem giving it to her.

Penny & Pam are extremely friendly and trustworthy. We were extremely at ease knowing they were taking care of our babies. As an added perk they would also provide a grooming service and cut our cats nails while they were pet sitting since we were unable to do that ourselves.

Penny & Pam are awesome people and wonderful with animals. I would highly recommend them to dog or cat sit for your pets.

Michelle Cubbage

What better two providers for your pets!!! Pam and Penny are probably the two biggest animal advocates you could ever want to meet!! Both have been instrumental in the day to day operations of the animal refuge center (ARC) for the past twenty years. Their dedication to arc is based solely on their devout love of all God’s creatures, certainly not wealth or fame. You won’t find two more devoted animal advocates. I intend to use Pam & Penny for all my pet sitting care. I know that my cats and dog are in the best of hands when Penny and Pam are caring for them. Hurrah for animal lovers like Penny & Pam!!!

Marimac Smythe

Penny and Pam took care of all my babies for me over Christmas for four or five days. We had three dogs and five cats: my Beagle, Sassi, was suffering from kidney failure and needed fluids administered daily. I’ll be forever grateful for the care and love they gave my girl.
I would trust them to care for my babies any time. They paid attention to all their food preferences and other likes and dislikes. My babies like and trust them, too.
– A grateful client:

Sheryl Emerson

I have never felt so secure on vacation! Penny and Pam are exceptional caretakers-very trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable. My 4 cats and 2 dogs were very well cared for. I also feel secure in knowing that they have the expertise to deal with a medical problem should one arise. I will continue to use SNUG-AT-HOME and highly recommend them.

Brenda Dockins

Penny and Pam took care of our dog while we went on a short trip to visit family at the end of January 2014. We highly recommend them as they took wonderful care of our sweet girl while we were away. She was very comfortable with them both. Thank you very much ladies!!! We will definately use your services again in the future.

Linda Trigg

Related posts

One Thought to “5 Signs of a Bad Pet Sitter”

  1. Alice

    I just called to book Snug At Home again. I am thrilled to have found such trustworthy and dependable caregivers for my kitties. It makes all the difference in being able to relax and enjoy a vacation or to be able to concentrate on a business trip when I know my kitties and my home are in such good hands. Pam is a treasure!

Leave a Comment