How long should a home visit or dog walk take?
The length of home visits and dog walks can really vary between different circumstances and from pet to pet.
Pawshake deliberately does not enforce rules on how long a dog walk or home visit must take. The reason for this is each animal has their own unique needs. For example, some dogs have loads of energy and need a lot of time to run and play. Whereas an older dog may need less walking time, but needs extra attention at home (for example, medication or sofa cuddles). In terms of home visits, one cat might want to play for an hour, while another cat just wants to left alone to nap.
How long does my pet need for their home visits and dog walks?
The best way to know how long your pet needs for a dog walk or home visit is to consider their individual characteristics. For example, how old is your pet, and what are their energy levels? Do they experience separation anxiety or are they happy to be left alone?
For example, some dogs have loads of energy and need a lot of time to run and play. Whereas an older dog may need less walking time, but needs extra attention at home (for example, medication or sofa cuddles). In terms of home visits, one cat might want to play for an hour, while another cat just wants to left alone to nap. So it all really depends on what feels right for your pet.
Before making the official booking, think about the following:
- How much time does the pet sitter normally offer for their dog walks?
- What are the toilet habits of your dog?
- How high are your dog's energy levels? For example, do they like to run off-leash and fetch balls etc? Tell your pet sitter exactly what you expect.
- What does your cat (or rabbit, guinea pig, etc) need during a home visit? For example, do they need cat litter changing, brushing, cuddles, playing or medication?
- When does your pet normally get fed, and is your sitter able to accommodate this?
- Maybe you expect other services like watering the plants or collecting the mail?
The care, security, comfort and happiness of your pet are the biggest priority for the pet sitter to fulfil - not just the time the sitter spends in your house.
How do I make sure my pet gets what they need during the booking?
Be sure to tell your pet sitter exactly what you expect from your house visit or dog walk. The pet sitter's availability and the usual length of their services will be listed on their profile. Read this and check their calendar before contacting them. Be sure to make clear arrangements that match the needs of your dog or cat.
In all cases: clear arrangements and expectations from the start will avoid confusion later. Therefore, write down your agreements. It's also a good idea to write down all instructions for the pet sitter so that both of you are super clear what needs to happen.
Are you looking for a pet sitter who can help you with dog walks or home visits? Click on the link below and enter your suburb to start looking today!
