Home pet care

Unlike a short drop-in visit, in-home pet care generally involves the professional spending a longer period in your home. Depending on the agreed service, they may stay for several hours, provide evening care or remain overnight.

The arrangements should be defined before booking: hours of presence, possible overnight stays, number of pets, walks, meals, maintenance of pet areas and any other tasks included in the service.

A drop-in visit generally means coming for a set period to feed the pet, refresh water, clean certain areas, provide interaction or take the pet outside. The professional then leaves.

In-home care serves a different need: the professional provides a greater presence in the home. Before booking, check carefully whether the service consists of visits, several hours of care or an overnight stay.

This type of care can be used for dogs, cats and different companion animals when their needs can be managed in the home. Arrangements should be adapted to each species and individual.

When several pets live together, in-home care can also avoid arranging several different boarding solutions. However, the professional should understand each pet’s routines, relationships, spaces and individual instructions.

Before leaving, explain the usual schedule for meals, walks, outdoor breaks, rest and activities. The more precise the information, the easier it is for the professional to follow the daily routine your pet knows.

Also explain any particular habits: where your pet sleeps, items it uses, household rules, normal behaviors and situations that should be avoided.

Prepare written instructions containing the essential information: food, quantities, schedules, walks, outdoor breaks, litter or habitat maintenance, routines and particular needs.

Include your contact details, those of another person who can be reached while you are away, as well as your regular veterinarian’s details and, where appropriate, an emergency veterinary contact.

Provide enough food for the entire care period and clearly explain normal portions and feeding times. Mention prohibited foods, known allergies and any particular rules regarding treats.

Also explain where food, bowls and necessary supplies are stored. If several pets have different diets, explain how meals should be organized to prevent them from eating each other’s food.

For a dog, explain the usual length and frequency of walks, normal routes, necessary equipment and any behaviors the sitter should know about. Mention possible reactions to other dogs, people, vehicles or particular situations.

Also explain rules concerning the leash, harness, doors, garden and areas the pet may access. This information allows the sitter to follow your normal routine without having to improvise.

If your pet is receiving treatment, check before booking that the professional is willing and able to provide the required care. Keep medications in their packaging and provide the prescribed instructions regarding doses, timing and administration.

The sitter should not independently alter a treatment or improvise medical care. If a problem occurs, they should be able to follow the agreed instructions and contact the veterinarian or emergency service provided.

Before leaving, agree with the professional on what should happen if your pet becomes ill, is injured or shows unusual behavior. Explain who should be contacted and which veterinary facility should be used.

It is also useful to decide in advance how decisions will be handled if you are temporarily unreachable. A trusted person who can be contacted provides an additional point of support.

In-home care means giving the professional access to your property. Before the service begins, clearly agree on how keys, access cards or other means of entry will be provided and returned.

Explain how doors, gates and necessary equipment work without providing more information than is required for the service. Also ask the professional how keys and access information are stored while you are away.

A meeting beforehand allows you to introduce the pets, their environment and routine. It also gives you an opportunity to observe initial interactions with the professional and show them where necessary supplies are kept.

Use this meeting to discuss important behaviors: fear of certain situations, escape tendencies, resource guarding, reactions during walks, hiding habits or handling difficulties.

Check their experience with the animals concerned and ask exactly what the service includes. Hours of presence, overnight stays, walks, number of pets, communication and any additional services should be clear before booking.

A professional should also be able to explain what they will do if something unexpected happens and be clear about their limits. For a pet with complex medical or behavioral needs, make sure their experience genuinely matches the situation.

Before leaving, agree on how you would like to receive updates: messages, photos, videos or reports at an agreed frequency. This helps avoid different expectations between the owner and the professional.

Also specify situations in which you want to be contacted immediately, such as a significant behavioral change, refusal to eat, an injury or a problem concerning the property.

Requirements applying to professional pet care activities can vary according to country, territory, species and services offered. Before booking, you can check any qualifications, insurance, authorizations or other requirements that may apply in your area.

Prousty & Co allows you to search for professionals who provide pet care directly in owners’ homes.

Review profiles and contact professionals to discuss dates, hours of presence, pets concerned, routines to follow, possible overnight stays and service arrangements before booking.