7 Reasons You Don’t Need An In Home Pet Sitter For Your Dog

As a dog lover, we understand the importance of finding the best pet care options for our furry friends. While it may be tempting to save money by having a live-in dog sitter for your next trip, there are several compelling reasons why opting for a professional dog walker is better. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven key reasons why you don’t actually need a live-in dog sitter when out of town.

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Accountability And Expertise

white woman with brown hair in ponytail sitting on a couch with three dogs. She hugs two, a black and white pitbull on the left, and a brown chihuahua to the right. Right of the Chihuahua is a tawny yellow lab, holding a blue rope toy under his left front paw. The woman kisses the pitbull's cheek.

#1 Only Amateurs Offer Live In Service And That’s Why It’s Cheap.

When it comes to entrusting the well-being of our beloved pets, it’s crucial to have someone who can be held accountable for any incidents or emergencies that may arise. Amateur pet sitters may lack the experience and knowledge to handle unexpected situations effectively, whereas professional dog walkers are trained and experienced in handling various pet-related scenarios.

#2 Caring For Your Pet Is Not The Same As Caring For Others’ Pets.

Professionals know how to follow YOUR routine, but they come at a cost. Every dog has unique needs and routines that should be followed to ensure their well-being and happiness. While an in-home pet sitter may be skilled at caring for animals in general, a professional dog walker understands the importance of tailoring their care specifically to your dog’s routine. Although their services may come at a higher cost, the peace of mind and specialized care they provide are well worth the investment.

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Dog’s Needs And Comfort

A mixed race woman with her hair in a puff holds a blue ball up to a medium sized tawny dog. The dog has a yellow bandage wrapped around its left front leg.

#3 Dogs Don’t Need Your Company All Day Long (Even If You Think They Do)

While our dogs certainly love company, it’s essential to teach them to be comfortable and content when we’re not around. A healthy and well-adjusted dog can handle periods of alone time without feeling anxious or distressed. If your dog exhibits excessive dependence on human presence, it may indicate a need for training to encourage independence and alleviate separation anxiety.

#4 Dogs Sleep A LOT

Dogs are natural sleepers, and they spend a significant portion of their day snoozing. With a structured routine provided by a professional dog walker, your furry friend will have ample mental and physical stimulation during their waking hours, making your absence less noticeable and easier for them to adjust to.

Peace Of Mind And Risk Mitigation

from left to right: a golden brown dog stands on the arm of a white couch. Next to him is an orange tabby cat with a pale blue bowtie, held by a blonde white woman smiling.

#5 Live-In Sitter Doesn’t Mean They Are Sitting In Your Home All Day.

Contrary to popular belief, having a live-in pet sitter doesn’t guarantee constant supervision. In many cases, they may have other commitments or responsibilities that limit the amount of time they can spend with your dog. On the other hand, a professional dog walker dedicates their time exclusively to your pet during scheduled visits, ensuring focused attention and care.

#6 The Horror Stories.

Unfortunately, there have been horror stories associated with inexperienced or unprofessional in-home pet sitters. These incidents range from accidents and negligence to damage to personal belongings. By choosing a professional dog walker, you significantly reduce the risks and potential complications that can arise when entrusting your home and beloved pet to someone without the necessary expertise.

#7 More Things Are Likely To Go Wrong When Someone Is In Your Home ALL Day.

While having someone in your home may provide a sense of security, it also increases the likelihood of accidents, mishaps, and breaches of trust. Opting for a professional dog walker eliminates unnecessary risks and ensures that your dog receives dedicated care without compromising the sanctity of your personal space.

A Better Alternative

Three dogs in a forest clearing, their leashes held by a white person whose head is cut off. from left to right, we see an aging yellow lab mix, tawny with grey whiskers on muzzle, a black and white pitbull, and a golden brown chihuahua.

What To Do Instead:

Instead of relying on an in-home pet sitter, consider hiring a professional dog walker who can provide the necessary care and attention for your dog during your absence. By jotting down your pet’s feeding and walking schedule, you can convert those into 30 to 60-minute pet visits spread throughout the day.

Here’s An Example Of What A Typical Pet Sit With A Dog Walker Might Look Like:

8am: The dog walker arrives to feed, walk, and give some morning snuggles. The visit lasts around 45 min-60 min, during which you receive a report with descriptive pictures.
12pm: The dog walker arrives for a midday walk, allowing your dog to enjoy the fresh air and stretch their legs. The walk can be customized based on your instructions and typically lasts around 30 min to 45 min.
4pm: The dog walker arrives for another visit, which includes feeding, walking, and playing a game of tug o’ war. Afterward, you receive adorable pictures of your dog with the toy in their mouth and confirmation of meal time served. The visit lasts 30min to 45 min.
7pm: The dog walker arrives for an evening walk and some final snuggles before bedtime. You receive your last report for the night.
Before you know it, the app pings at 8am the next day, notifying you that your dog walker is back for the morning routine.

You might be surprised to realize that by opting for professional dog walking services, your dog will only spend a maximum of 2-3 hours at a time alone, with the exception of sleep hours when everyone is resting. This way, you avoid having a stranger lingering among your personal belongings, and your dog receives the focused attention and professional care they need.

Ultimately, the peace of mind you gain from knowing your dog is in capable hands is invaluable, especially when considering the potential costs associated with untrained pet sitter mistakes that could lead to vet visits.

Invest In Peace Of Mind

A white woman with long brown hair leans over in the chair she sits in to pet a stoic Shiba Inu. The dog sits on a couch perpendicular to the woman's chair, eyes closed, while she gently pets his head.

When it comes to choosing the best care for your dog while you’re away, hiring a professional dog walker offers numerous advantages over relying on Brenda from Facebook who “loves dogs”. From accountability and expertise to meeting your dog’s specific needs and ensuring peace of mind, professional dog walkers provide a reliable and specialized service.

By following a structured pet visit schedule, you can ensure that your furry friend receives the attention and care they deserve, all while maintaining the security and comfort of your home. Remember, investing in professional care is an investment in your dog’s well-being and your own peace of mind.