Imagine you have your own dear new dog coming to live with you and you need to get the house ready. Dog sitting is no different!
Just a few notes to consider before the pet arrives:
- Meet and greet before the booking commences. This is a chance for both you and the pet owner to ask questions and make sure you have the same expectations before the booking commences. Need inspiration? Download the form at the bottom of this article and fill it in together.
- Familiarise yourself with the relevant laws regarding boarding and doggy daycare in your neighbourhood by contacting your local council
- Arrange plenty of pet food with the owner - it's a good idea for them to supply extra as a pet can get hungrier than usual when they're settling in and a little nervous
When you are preparing your home, be sure to go through the following list:
- Make sure you have a safe, sheltered and secure place for your guest dog to sleep
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh water out at all times
- Arrange plenty of pet food with the owner - it's a good idea to have some extra as a pet can get hungrier than usual when they're settling in and a little nervous
- Let your neighbours know you have a little mate staying over – especially if you think they might make a bit of noise on the first day – but don’t take on a barking doggy if you think this will disturb your neighbours
- Check all fences and gates and mend any tiny holes, gaps or potential escape routes
- Clean up your garden and clear away any potentially dangerous plants, weeds, rubbish or equipment that could be a choking hazard
- Put away clutter and make sure all potential hazards (including human food, medicines, wrappers, rubbish, household cleaners and other human products) are absolutely out of reach
- Make sure your whole house is onboard with your furry guest and is happy to be involved in playing, feeding and looking out for their safety
- Place valuables that you don't want broken or chewed (for example, ornaments, shoes, fragile furniture) well out of reach
Remember that a new environment might mean your guest is extra curious and investigative, so be extra diligent in looking out for home hazards.
And lastly, Pawshake recommends only boarding one dog over at a time just to keep things manageable, unless you know guest pets coming to stay know each other and are friends.