MARCH 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 41
PRESS PETS
VACATION PREP
IN SEARCH OF SITTERS
BY ALLISON MATOS
Pet parents looking to get away after
spending so much time home amid
Covid-19 restrictions may need to seek
out a pet sitter to care for their furry
family members.
Finding a reputable caregiver requires
some due diligence. Here are a few tips
to get started.
“There’s a lot to consider when choosing
the right pet sitter for your needs,” says
Patrice Maresca, owner of My Comfy
Petsitting Services in Franklin Square.
First things first: Do your research.
Maresca suggests finding a dog sitter
through word of mouth or through
references when possible.
“Don’t just Google ‘pet sitters’ and click
on the first link — anyone can set up
a website,” she says. “For a legitimate
online resource, visit Pet Sitters
International (PSI), where you’ll find
experienced sitters, many certified in
pet first aid and CPR.”
A good pet sitter will spend time with
potential clients to go over key points
including daily routines, medications,
behaviors with other people and with
other animals.
“Some people are lax in understanding
how much loving work
goes into pet sitting,” says Maresca.
“The best pet sitters are those
who have a passion for what they
do, that take the time to form a
bond with each pet. Many animals
experience anxiety when their
owner isn’t around, so you need
someone who will understand
how to best comfort your animal
when you’re not there.”
This is vital not only for your pet,
but for your peace of mind when
you are away from home. And if
you’re planning
on hiring a pet
sitter for when
you travel,
make sure your
sitter knows the
lay of the land,
h a s
extra sets of keys, knows the alarm code,
and has all the necessary phone numbers
including your veterinarian and close
family members/neighbors as well.
“Be sure to ask about their other clients
too,” says Maresca. “Pet sitters often have
multiple clients and go house-to-house,
sometimes without changing their
clothes or even washing their hands. If
people in the home have allergies to cats,
dogs, etc., pet sitters may be bringing in
fur and dander from other clients, which
can be rather problematic.”
Whomever you choose to watch your
furry family member should share the
love and compassion you have for your
animal. This is not just about putting
a leash on a dog or feeding a cat; this is
about providing care and comfort when
it’s needed the most — in your absence.
For more information about My
Comfy Petsitting Services, contact
Patrice at 516-616-6236.
The best pet sitters get to know your pet. (Getty
Images)
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