What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Tortoise?
While tortoises may not be as commonly cared for as dogs or cats, they are equally cherished companions with their own specific needs and quirks. Whether you’re a seasoned tortoise owner or new to the world of shelled pets, this blog is dedicated to providing you with essential insights and recommended pet sitting visits for your delightful tortoise friend. From ensuring the right environment to addressing dietary requirements and social interactions, join us as we dive into the art of caring for these fascinating reptiles during your time away. Let’s discover the best ways to make your tortoise feel safe, comfortable, and content, ensuring a worry-free and fulfilling pet sitting experience.
Below you will find two of our recommended schedules for tortoises.
Tortoise Option #1
This is an ideal schedule for tortoises that need to be checked on twice a day.
15 or 30 Minute Breakfast Visit – Your pet sitter will arrive and check on your tortoise. If your tortoise needs to be moved to a different enclosure for the day, your sitter can do so and get your tortoise set up for the day. This can include feeding, changing water, soaking time, and cleaning the enclosure as needed. If your tortoise needs some exercise time, but will be returned to the same enclosure, your sitter can have your tortoise out the entirety of the visit. The length of the visit should be determined by how much cleaning and exercise time is needed.
15 or 30 Minute Dinner Visit – Your sitter will arrive and check on your tortoise. If your tortoise has been outside or in a separate enclosure, your pet sitter can bring in your tortoise and settle her in for the night. If your tortoise needs any additional care for the evening this can also be done.
Tortoise Option #2
This is an ideal schedule for tortoises that need to be checked on once daily.
15 or 30 Minute Visit – Your sitter will arrive and check on your tortoise. This visit can be done at whatever time of day you prefer, based on what your tortoise is used to. During this visit we can check your enclosure to make sure it is secure, change food and do any cleaning that is needed. If your tortoise gets any exercise time out of the enclosure, your tortoise can be out for the entirety of the visit. If your tank will require a more thorough cleaning we will need to allow for that during the visit length, and we can have a longer visit however often the cleaning needs to be done (if it is not daily).
Our Considerations for Tortoises
For tortoises, there are some very specific steps we take to keep them as safe and relaxed as possible.
- Your sitter will want to know the routine of your tortoise and if there are any behaviors that are concerning.
- Tortoises can make a mess of their enclosure. Your sitter will need access to all of your supplies in case any issues arise.
- If there are any equipment concerns with your enclosure, such as pumps or filters, let your sitter know and leave supplies that would be needed to fix any problems.
- If you have had any health problems in your tortoise recently, please discuss these with your sitter so she can watch for specific symptoms.
Time to Customize!
We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your tortoise, so you are all happy during your trip. We also know that each home is different, and a lot of people have more than just one pet! After you have a basic idea of your schedule we sit down to figure out the nitty-gritty:
- Are there any other pets in the home that need feeding, medication, etc? We make sure your visit has enough time to get everything done.
- We have time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, etc.
- Many people who love animals, also love plants! Short visits do not have a lot of time for plants. If you need the sitter to water more than 1-2 plants, we will need to schedule a longer visit for those days. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to water and add that to your normal visits.
- Household tasks such as; bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on, and taking out the trash. This can all be done on your normal schedule.
- Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, keep in mind that your sitter will take a couple of minutes to send an update.
- Keep in mind that it will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done than it takes you. Especially if you have extensive routines for your pets and home. You have had years to perfect your system! We always try to make sure your pet sitter will have enough time for everything. That way they will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.
