Part of having a pet parrot is to still be able to take vacations which sometimes do not include bringing your pet bird. You will need to hire a petsitter who is caring, responsible and one that is able to follow the rules you set forth; while at the same time be smart enough to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Before Zachary, we tried boarding our other pets at pet stores previously but we were never completely satisfied with their cleanliness nor ability to give our pets close to what we want them to have in our absence. After interviewing several people, we were lucky to find ourselves a petsitter that loves our pets, and one that Zachary and the rest actually look forward to see all the time. It took severel "dry runs" before the actual first job took place. As a pet Mom or Dad, it is your duty to do whatever is necessary, to establish confidence in your petsitter and pets, before you finally leave that person to care for the ones that are dear to you.
Our petsitter follows a manual that we update, with instructions and pictures; on the care of the pets and our home. Our ability to see our pets' reactions before a trip when they see their petsitter arrive, to after the trip when we get back, tells us how happy and contented they are. It makes going away fun, relaxing and something we can do with a peace of mind.
Depending on the complexities of your home, lifestyle and pets, hiring a petsitter can be moderately difficult to almost impossible. Take your time (when you're not going anywhere) to do interviews and find the right person, or two. Write down the qualities of a person you're looking for, before actually meeting anyone. Have an idea of the following things that may be important to you:
* Female or Male * Single or Married (based on them living in your home and not wanting anyone else there) * Experience level with different pets * Experience with house alarms/security * How long in business * Family background * Quiet, or Outgoing personality * Character - this you have to trust your instincts * References (call each one of them) |
While we are away, our petsitter checks in with us often, and sometimes just by leaving us a message at our hotel/residence, to give us a quick update. A dedicated petsitter should not have a problem taking a few minutes off her day to spontaneously leave you a message letting you know how well things are going. We often call home to check on things as well. Many times our sitter will put Zachary on the speakerphone so that we get to talk to him and say a quick hello. Hearing his voice saying "hello..., Mom..., how're you...;... bye bye..." and other cute words, just makes our day brighter!
There really is no better care for your parrots while you're away than to take the time to find someone who can give them personalized care at their own home.
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