What to look for in a responsible pet sitter or cat boarding facility

Choosing a pet sitter or boarding facility can be nerve wracking. We hope friends or family can help out but often we don't have that option so we turn to hiring someone. Our pets are our most cherished 'possessions' of course! The cat facilities in Winnipeg are all very different but listed below are some things you should be looking for and asking about before leaving your cat in their care. Meowtel Inn will always recommend in-home sitting over boarding for 5 nights or less as it is safer and much less stressful for the cat. It can take a cat a week or more to adapt in boarding no matter how nice the place is.

When searching for someone to entrust your cat with, the following details and questions are important to pay attention to.

• Is the pet sitter presentable and personable? Do they ask questions about your specific pet? Do they admit when they are not experienced in an area or show any hesitation when you discuss your pets needs? Do they have any relevant animal care experience besides pet ownership? A qualified, experienced person makes all the difference when it comes to recognizing and managing early signs of stress, illness or preventing injuries.

  
  

• Is there overnight care in a facility? If not, who checks on the cats overnight, what are the plans if something happens? How are things like crime (broken windows, theft), fire or medical monitored? Are YOU comfortable leaving your cat unattended in a building when you are paying for their care?

  
  

• Is the boarding facility clean/smell ok? Is it loud? Are cats completely separated from dogs or other cats? Is staff turn over high or indicative of inexperience? High staff turn over can indicate problems with management or inexperienced staff.

  
  

• Is there a plan to manage behavior if the cat does not do well in boarding? What experience does the sitter have if the cat does not react well? Not all cats board well or show signs right away. What will your sitter do?

  
  

• What kind of insurance, if any - is the sitter covered by?

  
  

• What kind of interaction will your pet get either during drop in visits in their home, or at a boarding facility? Cats are nocturnal creatures and spend most of the afternoon snoozing. They are most active in the evening, and any cat owner knows the 3am zoomies. Cat should get at least 30-60 minutes PER DAY of interactive playtime or stimulation and its recommended it's broken up over short periods of time. If getting in-home drop in services, bare minimum once a day visits for your cat are necessary. Cats cannot go more than 24 hours without water or it can quickly become an emergency. Under stimulated cats may become depressed or destructive. Litter box and eating habits should be monitored. This is especially important for male cats as urinary blockages are very painful and serious. Signs are easily missed or ignored.

  
  

• Does the facility or pet sitter offer daily updates and photos? Any good sitter should provide this as part of their duties to show accountability and keep you informed.

  
  

• What emergency plan does the facility or sitter have in the event of a medical emergency or accident for your pet?

  
  

• What products are used (some are cat-toxic) and what sanitization happens between boarding pets? What vet confirmation does the facility want prior to boarding?

  
  

• Read the reviews, both good and bad. All businesses get negative reviews eventually (can't please everyone!), however check them for allegations of clear negligence or abuse. If the reviews say the sitter didn't stay for the agreed upon time, or the animal was injured by other animals or staff, AVOID! Human error happens, however with the right experience and precautions it shouldn't. At Meowtel Inn, we have seen almost everything in our experience and developed our care accordingly.

It can be scary hiring someone to look after your cat while you are away and not easily accessible. Its important to find someone you are comfortable with and who will communicate with you.