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What Pet Sitting Visits Do I Need For My Dog?

 

Are you going out of town but are worried about your dog? There are a lot of choices for pet care and for scheduling and it can be hard to know where to start. Over the years we have had a variety of schedules and we have been able to see what works best for dogs with different personalities. Here are our top 3 schedules for pet sitting visits that we have found to work well. Of course, these can all be tweaked for your household, this just gives you a place to start!

Dog Option #1

This is an ideal schedule for dogs who are used to people home in the evening.

 

30 Minute Mid-Day Visit 

Your sitter will use this visit for a walk and/or playtime. This visit should be set at a time when your dog would normally need to go outside, so it is in line with her normal routine. A visit during the middle of the day like this means that your dog will only be alone for 6-7 hours, depending on the time of the visit. 

12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. Then comes feeding and some time for relaxation. Right before bed, your dog goes out for the last outing, usually a potty break. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for another walk or playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores. The Extended Overnight Stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship during the evenings or if you have a large number of pets needing care. 

 

 

Dog Option #2

This is a good schedule for dogs who are used to being home alone in the evening but like having company overnight.

 

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter arrives ready for a walk and dinner time! Your pup will be happy to see her after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty. Then they are off for their walk or playtime outside, depending on what your dog prefers. After getting that energy out, it is time for dinner. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your dog in not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.

9-10 Hour Regular Overnight Stay 

Your sitter will arrive in the evening (around 10 pm) and let your dog out for a potty break. Your sitter then settles your pup in for their normal bedtime routine. Maybe your dog sleeps in the bed with your sitter, or on a dog bed in the bedroom. If your dog needs a tuck in with a blanket or a late night treat, that will happen. In the morning there is time for a let out or a quick walk and feeding. Before leaving, your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine. The overnight stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship overnight, and provides a level of consistency that dogs appreciate. 

 

Dog Option #3

This is a good schedule for dogs who are fine with being home alone overnight.

 

30 Minute Breakfast Visit

Your sitter will arrive in the morning (between 7-8:30am) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. It is an exciting time to get up and stretch our legs first thing in the morning! Then comes feeding and other normal chores. Before leaving your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine, whether it be a stuffed kong or leaving a radio on.

30 Minute Dinner Visit

Your sitter arrives ready for a walk and dinner time! Your pup will be happy to see her after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty. Then they are off for their walk or playtime outside, depending on what your dog prefers. After getting that energy out, it is time for dinner. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your dog in not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.

15 Minute Late Night Visit

Last minute trips out a necessary for a healthy dog bladder and brain. It allows your pup to close out the day comfortable and secure. Your sitter will let your pup out and settle her in for the night with her normal routine. At the end it is lights out and time for sleep!

 

Our Considerations for Dogs

For dogs, there are a few factors we like to consider when setting a schedule;

  • How long is your dog used to being home during the day? Do you work a full dog or do you work from home?
  • How often does your dog go outside during a normal day? It is easy to under-estimate so try counting for a few days to be sure.
  • Does your dog need a lot of exercise? If so, consider schedules for active dogs.
  • Where does your dog sleep at night? If your dog waits for you to go to bed and then joins you, you need overnight stays. If your dog wanders off at 9pm and you don’t see her again until 7am, you can probably get away with just visits, if you want.
  • For you – are you more comfortable having someone active around the house? If so, then you want an Extended Overnight.

Time to Customize!

We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your dog, 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 dog!

After you have the 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 like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, walks and some cuddles (if your dog is so inclined).
  • There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls, clean up any messes, toys, etc.
  • Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
  • On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on and taking out the trash.
  • Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
  • It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done then 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 so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.

Work With Us to Keep Your Dog Happy While You are Gone!