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What to Do with your Pets While You Travel
The thought of leaving pets behind is sadly what prevents some people from traveling more often than they’d like. Kenneling a pet can be nerve-wracking for both the pet and pet owner. In addition, the cost of boarding a pet can be enough to deter would-be travelers from considering this option. What if we told you there was a less stressful, less expensive option that would allow you to leave your pet behind in their familiar environment? In home pet care is among the best alternatives to kennels and it doesn’t cost as much as you might think!
Hire a Pet & House Sitter
Allow us to share the perks of hiring a pet and house sitter! And when we say “hire”, we mean paying a nominal annual membership to a house-sitting site, like Nomador.com, and selecting a high quality, well-reviewed sitter who will care for your pet(s) and look after your home for FREE! It’s time to skip the tiny crate and linoleum quarters of a kennel and say “So long!” to a pricey pet hotel that could double the cost of your getaway. Entrust your beloved critters to an individual, couple, or family with a fondness for animals and a passion for exploring new places.
How to Find a Trustworthy House Sitter
Sure, some people may be a little leery about having a complete stranger in their home looking after their pets. The good thing about a house-sitting site like Nomador is that you are able to read profiles and reviews of individuals looking to offer in home pet care. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection of potential candidates, you are able to conduct interviews to find the house-sitter that is best for you and your pets! Nomador, for example, has over 113,000 members (and counting), so no doubt you’ll be able to find a sitter you feel comfortable with watching after your home and pet(s).
Selecting the Perfect House-Sitter
Using a site like Nomador provides the opportunity to search for a credible house- and pet-sitter by allowing homeowners to sort through profiles and applications of potential sitters. Peruse house-sitter profiles and reach out to an individual, couple, or family you are interested in to see if they are available during your time away. Another option is to publish a listing and have interested house- and pet-sitters apply. From there, sort through the received applications and contact the applicants you’re interested in getting to know better. Consider setting up virtual interviews through a video chat app such as Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime so you can discuss further details with potential candidates. This will give both you and the interested sitter the opportunity to ask questions.
Questions to Ask Potential House-sitters
You are entrusting your home and pet(s) to someone you most likely have never met. First and foremost, you’ll want to go over expectations and desires for home and pet care. For example, how many times a day the pet(s) need to be walked, fed, let out to use the bathroom, and given medicine, if applicable. Provide an overview of your pet’s day from the time they wake to the time they go to sleep. You’ll also want to cover the watering of plants, if desired, and whether or not the sitter will need their own transportation to and from your neighborhood. These are just a few examples of information you’ll want to provide to the house sitter so they can make a decision as to whether or not they are capable of looking after your home and pets as you wish.
Keep in mind, the potential sitter may have some questions for you as well! Once everyone’s questions are answered you can collectively decide if they will be a good match for the job. Always go with your gut; if something doesn’t sit right with you after talking with a potential sitter, keep looking! With thousands of animal lovers on house sitting sites like Nomador.com, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a trusted person to look after your home and pet(s) when you’re away.
Benefits of Having In Home Pet Care
There are many benefits to having a pet- and house-sitter in your home while you travel. For starters, your pet is in their familiar environment, sitting in their special spot, sleeping in their cozy bed. Their routine is not disrupted. You’ll get regular communication from your house-sitter, along with photo and video updates, if requested. With someone in your home, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you will be notified promptly if something happens to your home or pet(s).
Say a pipe bursts or a storm comes through and knocks out power, you’ve got someone to keep you informed of potential threats to your home and personal belongings. Another benefit to having a trusted sitter in your home is that it appears lived in which could be enough to deter any would-be robbers. All in all the most important benefit to having in home pet care is peace of mind knowing that you have personally selected a qualified person (individual, couple, or family) to look after your most precious possessions.
Hiring a House-sitter is a Win-Win Exchange
Why are house-sitters willing to work for free? Many don’t have pets of their own and truly enjoy the company of other people’s pets. It’s safe to say that pretty much all house-sitters enjoy the perks of free accommodations when they travel. They get the opportunity to live like locals in your town for a very minimal cost. It’s a beneficial exchange where all parties win! So go on that weekend getaway or take that trip of a lifetime and relax… YOU DESERVE IT!
Become Part of a Community
When you entrust your home and pet(s) to a caring individual, couple, or family, you become a part of a community. A community of animals lovers. A community of those who love to travel. Another perk to Nomador.com is their Nomador Stopover feature. Connect with other like-minded pet owners/home owners/travelers as you explore destinations around the globe. Pop-in for a short stay with another homeowner and experience local culture and traditions around the world. Likewise, open your home to others with similar interests and make friends with people from all corners of the globe!
So, whether you’re going away for the weekend, a week, a month, or even longer, and no matter if you’ve got cats, dogs, horses, or chickens, consider ‘hiring’ a pet and house sitter so you can fully enjoy your time away. Don’t let “someday” get in the way… FORGET SOMEDAY and go travel today!
This post was written in sponsored partnership with Nomador.com.