Hiring a professional pet sitter is good protocol!
Our fur babies are members of our family, so it is totally reasonable to want them to be well cared for when going out of town. Whether departing for a short, overnight trip or jetting off to a week-long vacation, knowing our pets are OK while we are away is priceless. When searching for a professional pet sitter, it is imperative to choose one who is reliable and highly skilled at caring for animals. We researched three local petsitting companies that fully vet, train and manage the employees who provide consistent care for four-legged loved ones.
LAUGHING PETS ATLANTA
Karen Levy started her pet-sitting company in 2010 when she decided to make a career change and do something she loved. Cats and dogs can have different needs, and pet sitters should be trained to care for both. Levy’s employees are taught such things as how to interpret a dog’s body language and understand signs of potential illness.
“Loving animals isn’t enough to ensure you are hiring someone who has the knowledge and experience to keep your pets happy, healthy and safe,” Levy says.
Some of the qualities she looks for her in her employees include being detail oriented, adaptable, honest and responsible. Critical thinking in certain instances can be helpful as well, and of course, they must pass a background check.
THE VILLAGE PETS
This company began organically in 2015 while owner Richard Mathis was working in the pet health care field. Mathis says he and his team are devoted to providing high-quality pet care focused on maintaining their routines and offering plenty of snuggles.
The Village Pets sitters are composed of animal lovers, vet techs and part-time dog trainers. Mathis says all his employees have years of experience in professional pet care, and some have taken additional medical courses.
An initial consultation with a sitter from The Village Pets includes a meet and greet at the pet’s home to learn their feeding and potty routines, as well as the layout of the home.
CRITTER SITTERS
This company has been around since 1975 and is nearing its 50th year in business. President Jeffrey Lauterbach says during the initial consultation with pets and their parents, his pros learn everything from the pets’ favorite toys to the emergency contacts. They focus on using a gentle and compassionate approach to particularly shy pets.
“Pets can become lonely and withdrawn when their owners are away,” he says. “Sometimes it takes a while for them to warm up and relax, even though we have met them beforehand.”
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER
“There are so many circumstances that can prove to be difficult—even dangerous—and a professional sitter is trained and skilled so that clients’ pets stay safe.”
—Karen Levy, Owner, Laughing Pets Atlanta
“We know what to look out for in terms of warning signs of illness, anxiety or discomfort, etc., and we diligently monitor the pets when they’re in our care.”
—Richard Mathis, Owner The Village Pets
“Hiring a knowledgeable, organized, pet-loving professional sitter should provide peace of mind for clients.”
—Jeffrey Lauterbach, President Critter Sitters
CRITTER SITTERS
404.793.6178
critter-sitters.com
LAUGHING PETS ATLANTA
404.281.8702
laughingpetsatlanta.com
@laughingpetsatlanta
THE VILLAGE PETS
404.438.1573
thevillagepets.net
@thevillagepetspetsitting
