WHAT DO OUR PETS THINK ABOUT BEING HOME WITH A PET SITTER?

Leaving our pets can be an emotional experience, for them and us. I get calls from clients who are leaving their pets in the care of a pet sitter and they want to know how to make it a positive experience. Here are a few tips, learned from the animals themselves.

To help your pets adjust to your absence, be as neutral as you can about leaving them. Pets know you're leaving, normally before you even start packing, be­cause you start thinking about it. If you feel guilty about leaving, it's going to make them anxious too. Emotions are energy and animals are very sensitive to our energy. The more neutral you are, the more secure your pet will feel.

Let the pet sitter know what your daily “rituals” are with your pets. Like us, they are creatures of habit. Do you say the same thing to your pets every time you leave? Does your dog get a certain cookie before bed? Do they have to do a cer­tain behavior before getting that cookie? Animals come to depend on these habits, so keeping it as close to normal can make them feel
more secure.

If your pet likes to play with toys, get them a toy they love that is only brought out by the pet sit­ter. It allows the pet sitter to establish a fun ritual with your pet and lets your pet have something to look forward to while you're gone. This also works with treats. If your pet has a very favorite treat, give it to the pet sitter to give to them while you’re gone. Having something in com­mon with the pet sitter and letting them bond is a great way to reduce the stress for
your pets.

If your pet is anx­ious, fearful or worried about being at home alone, try one of the Bach Flower Essences. Flower Essences work on an emotional level to balance out the negative state and replace it with a positive. There are 38 different essences. If your pet doesn't like
any disruption or change in their routine, the Walnut Essence is best. If your pet is anxious when alone, the essence Gentian is more appropriate. Bach Flower Essences can be found at many health food stores and holistic groceries, and at many online retailers.