Holidays are stressful enough without the added anxiety of wondering what Fido and Fluffy will do while you’re away for the holidays.  Although boarding is both convenient and ideal, it’s generally not an option for many pet owners and more and more people are turning to professional pet sitting services over the holidays.  With increasing pressure to give gifts of appreciation for everyone in your life over the holidays, what’s expected by the pet sitters who take care of your animals during this time of year? 

Mailmen, house cleaners, bosses and employees all get gifts or cards over the holidays which puts even more pressure on you to conform to etiquette standards year after year.  If you’ve hired a pet sitter to care for your animals over Thanksgiving or Christmas, you need to know what this talented (and generally very patient) individual expects and deserves. 

First, consider that professional pet sitters sacrifice the holidays with their own families so that you can spend the holidays with yours.  These talented, trustworthy individuals dedicate their time and services to caring for your animals so that you don’t have to worry about Rufus and Rex while you’re enjoying the holidays with your loved ones. 

Some of these petsitters haven’t spent the holidays with their families in many years and, although most are happy to sacrifice these times in exchange for large amounts of business, they still have to juggle schedules in order to find any time at all to enjoy the company of their families over the holidays.  Many, if not most, petsitters hardly sleep during this time of year.  They get up long before dawn and don’t return home until most people are in bed. They spend the entire day running from house to house spending quality time with each animal and making sure that every house is safe and secure. 

Now that you feel somewhat guilty – don’t by the way, these people have elected to care for your beasts and LOVE their jobs – how do you show your appreciation?  What does your petsitter expect from you when they’re picking up Fido’s poop while you’re opening gifts 200 miles away?  How do you thank them for this? 

First, don’t expect them to call you with updates.  If you want to know about your dog, call them, professional pet sitters are more than happy to give you updates on Rex if you call, but are so busy with so many animals that they rarely have an opportunity to pick up the phone at all during this time.  It’s not because they don’t care, on the contrary, they probably love your pet, but they have so many things to do during the holidays they simply can’t call every single pet owner with updates.  Not to mention, it shows the pet sitter just how much you love your animals if you pick up the phone and call them yourself. 

Second, say thanks:  A note, a card, anything just to say thank you for all they do during this busy time.  People like to know they are appreciated and pet sitters are no different. 

Gifts are always nice, but not necessary.  Since most people don’t know their pet sitters hobbies or interests, tangible gifts can be a waste of time.  Gift certificates are a good bet, though and ones to popular restaurants can be especially nice.  Remember that your pet sitter won’t have much time to relax over the holidays and a gift certificate (even a cheap one that could get an appetizer or drink) will say that you know they’re working hard and you’d like to treat them to a little treat when they’re finished with this busy time.

Food.  Once again, your petsitter will be on the road from dusk till midnight taking care of animals.  If you leave them some snacks, they’re less likely to run out of fuel and energy when they’re at YOUR house.  This means that not only will they have enough energy to run around with Rufus, they will also spend just a little more time with him since they’re refueling while they’re there. 

These are just some ideas.  If you’ve gotten to know your petsitter over the years, then you’ve probably picked up on some of these small suggestions.  If this is the first time you’re using a petsitting service, be sure to ask your petsitter what they like to eat and what you can provide for them while you’re away. 

Although I no longer petsit, I worked for a professional petsitter for over two years, working long hours on holidays and weekends.  Notes, clear directions and instructions, and food are very much appreciated. 

Choose a petsitter carefully.  Make sure that your animals like your petsitter, too, so invite him or her into your home prior to signing service contracts.  Then take faith in these talented people and know that your animals are in good hands.