How to Find the Best Pet Sitters in Sonoma County CA

 

There is no state license required for pet boarding or pet sitters in Sonoma County and so no state standard for competency, safety, or reliability. Likewise, there is no legal requirement that they have worker's comp insurance or liability insurance and both are critical to you. If an employee of a pet sitter were injured on your property and the company doesn't have worker's comp, you will be held liable. Similarly if any accidental damage occurs to your property and the company has no liability insurance, you will be on the hook for it.

This makes it all the more significant that all pet boarding facilities and pet sitters bearing The Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 symbol have been evaluated by our research staff, and have had to pass all the requirements for Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 status such as survey phone calls to previous customers to verify high satisfaction, clean complaint record, verified worker's comp and liability insurance, only employees legal to work in the U.S., and more. 

 

Pet Sitters & Pet Boarders in Sonoma County Perform Numerous Pet Services
Whether you're bound for a two-week vacation or working a little overtime, pet sitters & pet boarders can watch your pet according to your schedule. In-home pet sitters can work day or evening hours or even arrange overnight stays. They'll walk your pets, play with them, feed them, give them any required medications, and clean up after them, whether it's in your home or at their specialized pet boarding facilities.

And these pet boarders are not just kennels. If you choose to board your pet with a pet sitting service in Sonoma County, the stay can include grooming, play dates, playtime at a private dog park, group adventures, private rooms, exercise time, swim time for dogs, or pick up and drop off in customized buses.

Certain pet sitters & pet boarding services in Sonoma County have expanded their pet services to accommodate animals other than canines or felines. They can care for and board cats, small animals, horses and livestock, and exotic birds. Some vet-recommended pet sitters and pet boarders in Sonoma County can even tailor their care to pets with special medical needs.

If you simply need a hand getting your pet to the pet groomers or the vet, many pet sitting services offer regular pet transportation in special pet taxis. While you're away, there's usually more to attend to than your lonely pet. Many pet sitting services & pet boarding services in Sonoma County take care of these chores as well, including errands, organizing, packing, getting newspapers and mail, watering plants, party cleanup, general home maintenance, and security concerns.

 

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Some Pet Sitters & Pet Boarding Services in Sonoma County Are Much Better Than Others
The Prime Buyer's Report lists these pet sitters & pet boarders in Sonoma County: Fit 'n' Furry Petaluma CA, Olivet Kennel & Dog Training Santa Rosa CA, Countryside Kennels Santa Rosa CA, Cotati Dog Grooming & Boarding Petaluma CA, Skansen Kennels Sebastopol CA, Paradise Pet Resort CA, Aberglen Pet Resort Sonoma CA, Anderson Acres Canine Guest Ranch & Pet Boarding Santa Rosa CA. Other pet sitting services and pet boarding facilities in Santa Rosa CA that might still be in business include: Bundocks Kennels Sebastopol CA.

 

How to Choose Pet Sitters & Pet Boarding in Sonoma County CA

When you've decided that you require temporary care for your pet, you can't just hire any pet sitter or pet boarding facility. For the sake of your pet's health and safety, you should screen a number of possible pet sitters to find one you can feel comfortable with. If you follow the steps below, you are more likely to find a pet sitter you can trust.

Step 1: Describe The Services Desired from The Pet Sitters or Pet Boarders in Sonoma County
When you first make contact with pet sitting services and pet boarders, tell the representative what kind of pet you have, how long you'll be away, and any special care considerations your pet needs such as medications for your pet or if it's a 'special needs' pet. The more you can describe up front to the pet sitters and pet boarding facilities, the more accurate the estimate will be for the pet sitting and pet boarding.

Step 2: Ask & Answer Questions With the Pet Boarding Facilities and Pet Sitters in Sonoma County
You'll learn a lot by the questions asked by the pet sitters or pet boarders. Good pet boarding facilities and pet sitting services should know the drill and be familiar with methods that apply to the scenario you've described. They should be able to fill in any details you overlooked. Listen closely to their input and take notes for future reference.

You should also have a list of questions to ask a pet sitters or pet boarding services about experience, credentialing, special pet care methods and general policies. Select the most appropriate questions from this list to start with. The pet sitters or pet boarders answers are just as important as their attitude toward your pet.

• How long have they been pet sitters or pet boarders in Sonoma County?
• What kind of animals do the pet sitting services or pet boarding facilities usually care for?
• Are the pet sitters or pet boarders a mobile service or do they have a facility?
• Do the pet sitters bring the necessary supplies (treats, waste disposal bags etc.)?
• Do the pet sitters or pet boarding services offer pet transportation?
• What are the available hours of the pet sittng services and pet boarders?
• Do the pet boarders and pet sitters have references I may contact?
• Will the pet sitters and pet boarding kennels provide a written estimate?
• Do the pet boarders or pet sitters offer any special activities for my pet?
• If the pet sitting service is an in-home pet sitter, are they available to perform other household tasks?
• If they are pet boarders watching my pet in a boarding facility, is there a veterinarian on site, or one nearby they have an established relationship with?
• How long have the pet sitters or pet boarders been in business?
• Are the pet sitting services and pet boarding facilities or kennels insured?
• What safety precautions do the pet boarders and pet sitters take?
• Will there be other animals the pet sitters are watching while they care for mine? What kind? What is their temperament?

Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision of Pet Sitting Services & Pet Boarders in Sonoma County
After you've gotten your answers from the pet sitters and pet boarders, review you notes to determine the best candidates. Take the answers into consideration as well as demeanor of the pet sitters and pet boarding kennels. An intelligent, responsible person can still become distracted or cold with your pet.

Step 4: Final Research into Pet Sitters and Pet Boarding Facilities in Sonoma County
When you've selected the pet sitters or pet boarding facilities, make sure they are "fit" to do the job, "fit" being a subjective term. Positive interaction with your pet can be enough, but if you prefer extensive experience and official credentialing, check with pet sitting associations, kennel associations, and pet boarding organizations to locate a local member. Better Business Bureau or Diamond Certified endorsements are worth looking for as well.

Step 5: Making the Final Decision on Pet Sitters or Pet Boarding Services in Sonoma County
Now that you've chosen a perfect fit of pet sitter or pet boarder for your pet, arrange for your date of service. Extended visits should include written agreements that detail the terms of the care and the length of your pet's stay.

Tips About Pet Sitting Services & Pet Boarding Facilities in Sonoma County

Review the Pet Boarding Facilities in Sonoma County
If you plan to board your pet in pet boarding facilities visit before you arrange a stay. Make sure beds, dishes and kennels (if applicable) are clean and changed regularly. Watch how often the animals receive attention. Even pet boarding businesses geared toward play and interaction might crate your dog for hours at a time, so try to get a better idea of what "pet boarding" really means to each of the pet boarding companies.

Allow for Acclimation With The Pet Sitters or Pet Boarders.
If you're leaving your pet in a new setting such as with pet boarders, or simply new people like with in-home pet sitters, there's bound to be an uncomfortable, anxiety-filled transitional period. So stay with them for some time before you leave. Simply dropping and running could negatively affect your pet's behavior, or worse, their health.

Consider Several Pet Boarding Facilities or Pet Sitters in Sonoma County
Talk to a number of pet sitters and pet boarders. They aren't all the same. Arrangements can range from unlicensed pet sitters to large pet boarding facilities that board dozens of other pets as well. Depending on the type of attention you want your pet to receive (or the price you're willing to pay), this will affect your decision.

Prepare Information for the Pet Sitters or Pet Boarders in Sonoma County.
You know your pet well, but the pet sitters or pet boarders probably don't. Particularly if your pet requires special consideration (medications, allergies, special diet, bad interaction with other animals, lack of potty training), you should write down the details of care before you leave.

Leave Contact Information for the Pet Sitters or Pet Boarders
In case of any complications or questions your pet sitter might encounter, make sure they can contact you if necessary. Leave your phone numbers as well as emergency alternates. If possible, leave email addresses and contact information for your destination as well.

Know Your Rights With Pet Sitters or Pet Boarders in Sonoma County.
When you work with pet sitting services or pet boarding businesses you are protected by certain consumer rights. To learn about the specifics of these laws, visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Resources About Pet Sitting & Pet Boarders in Sonoma County

Regulatory Bodies & Trade Associations Related to Pet Sitters and Pet Boarding in Sonoma County
ABKA American Boarding Kennels Association (http://www.akba.com)
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
IACP International Association of Canine Professionals (http://www.dogpro.org/)
NAPPS National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org)
PDWA Professional Dog Walkers Association (www.prodogwalker.com)
PSI Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com)
PUPS Professional United Pet Sitters (www.petsits.com)
WWPIA World Wide Pet Industry Association (www.wwpia.org)

Media for Pet Boarding & Pet Sitting in Sonoma County
Best Friends Magazine
Bird Talk Magazine
Cat Fancy Magazine
Cat & Kitten Care Magazine
Cats & Kittens Magazine
Dog Magazine
Dog Fancy Magazine
Dog & Kennel Magazine
Dog World Magazine
Ferrets Magazine
Good Dog Magazine
Horse & Rider Magazine
House Pet Magazine
I Love Cats
Modern Dog Magazine
Modern Ferret Magazine
Pet Age Magazine
Pet Magazine
Pet Product News International Magazine
The Bark Magazine
Whole Dog Journal

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the Top Ten Pet Boarders & Pet Sitters in Sonoma County within the following zip codes:

95431, 95407, 95401, 95404, 95405, 95480, 94972, 95492, 95416, 95419, 94927, 95430, 95433, 94999, 94953, 94955, 94975, 95471, 95402, 95406, 95408, 95473, 95486, 95497, 95487, 95439, 95441, 95412, 95425, 94952, 94922, 94923, 95421, 94928, 94931, 95436, 95450, 95472, 95476, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95409, 95452, 95403, 95462, 95465, 94951 and 94954

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the Top Ten Pet Boarders & Pet Sitters in Sonoma County within the following cities:

Agua Caliente, Alexander Valley, Annapolis, Asti, Bloomfield, Bloomfield, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Fallon, Forestville, Fort Ross, Freestone, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Guernewood, Healdsburg, Jenner, Kenwood, Lakeville, Larkfield, Monte Rio, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Roseland, Russian River, Russian River Mdws, Salmon Creek, Santa Rosa, Schellville, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Stewarts Point Rancheria, The Geysers, Valley Ford, Windsor, Boyes Hot Springs, Camp Meeker, Duncans Mills, El Verano, Eldridge, Fetters Hot Springs, Rio Nido, Sheridan, The Sea Ranch, Villa Grande, Vineburg, Lytton, Mark West, Temelec and Two Rock