When you are planning a trip, find yourself in an emergency situation, or simply have a very busy work schedule, leaving your beloved dogs and cats in the care of a reliable pet sitter is one of the most important decisions you will have to make as a pet owner. Unlike humans, animals cannot shake off their dependence on people for a few days or weeks while you are away. They need food, water, physical activity, toilet breaks, medical attention, and perhaps most importantly, emotional support and human interaction. Choosing the wrong pet sitter can lead to stress for your pet, potential health problems, and messes in your home, while choosing a reliable and qualified pet sitter will give you peace of mind and confidence that your pet will be well cared for while you are away.
In Edmonton, as in any large city, there is a wide range of pet care services available, from traditional boarding kennels and shelters to modern online platforms that connect owners with individual pet sitters. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the best option depends on the needs of your particular pet, the length of your absence, your budget, and your personal preferences for how you want your pet to be cared for. In addition, for Ukrainian immigrants and newcomers to Edmonton, complementary language and cultural aspects may play a role in choosing a caregiver, as some people may feel more comfortable with a Portuguese-speaking or Ukrainian-speaking caregiver.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down all the available pet sitting options in Edmonton, discuss the criteria you should use to evaluate potential sitters, and provide you with practical tips on how to prepare your pet and yourself for the period when your pet will be cared for by someone else. This is information that every responsible pet owner who plans to ever leave their pet in the care of another person should know.
Understanding your pet's needs while you are away
Before you start looking for a pet sitter, it is important to understand what your pet needs while you are away. Different animals have different needs, different breeds have different temperaments and activity requirements, and older or sick animals may have special medical needs that require specialized care. Understanding these needs will help you communicate effectively with potential pet sitters and choose the one who best meets your requirements.
The basic needs of any animal include regular feeding with high-calorie, nutritious food, access to clean drinking water, the ability to go to the toilet in a designated area, and regular physical activity and mental stimulation. For dogs, this means at least a few walks a day, playtime, and socialization with other dogs or people. For cats, this means play, the ability to climb vertical surfaces, window viewing, and the opportunity for active grooming and stretching. In addition to these basic needs, many animals also require emotional support and internal interaction with humans to remain mentally healthy and happy.
If your pet has special needs, such as medical conditions that require regular medication, borderline or aggressive behavior, past trauma that makes them vulnerable to stress, or special dietary needs, all of this should be taken into account when choosing a pet sitter. Some pet sitters have experience working with animals with special needs, while others may be more suited to healthy, well-adjusted animals.
Main Types of Pet Sitting Services in Edmonton
There are several main categories of pet sitting services in Edmonton, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In-Home Pet Sitters
One of the most popular and, for many owners, the most appealing option is to hire a private pet sitter who comes to your home daily (or even several times a day) to care for your pet. This approach allows your pet to remain in a comfortable, familiar environment, minimizing the stress and anxiety that can come with being moved to a new location. Ideally, a home-visit pet sitter should come several times a day (usually in the morning, midday, and evening) to ensure that your pet receives adequate food, water, toilet breaks, and opportunities for exercise and play.
The benefits of an in-home pet sitter include minimizing stress for your pet, maintaining their normal routine and environment, the ability to receive individualized and personalized care, and often a more flexible visit schedule. In addition, an in-home pet sitter can also perform additional functions such as collecting mail, watering plants, and turning lights on and off to create the impression that someone is home, which also helps prevent theft and vandalism while you are away.
The disadvantages of this approach include the fact that your pet still spends a significant amount of time alone, which can be problematic for highly social dogs that need constant companionship. In addition, if the sitter gets sick or is unable to come on a certain day, you may not have a backup plan. Furthermore, the cost of a sitter who comes to your home can be quite high, especially if you need several visits per day for several weeks.
Pet Boarding Facilities
Pet boarding facilities, also known as “kennels” or “catteries,” are specialized establishments where your pet will stay in a house for the entire time you are away. There, it will receive food, water, toilet facilities, and a certain amount of activity and contact with staff. Boarding facilities have the advantage of having staff present all day and all the time, a structured routine, and other animals often staying there, which can provide minimal socialization.
However, boarding facilities also have significant disadvantages for many animals. First of all, your pet will be in an unfamiliar environment among unfamiliar people and animals, which can be very stressful, especially for animals with separation anxiety, sensitive or aggressive animals. In addition, boarding facility staff may not be able to provide the level of individualized and personalized care that your pet would receive at home or from a private caregiver.
Day Care Centers
Day care centers are similar to boarding facilities, but pets return home at night. This can be a good option for owners who work all day or have very busy schedules, or for young, active dogs that need a lot of activity. Day care centers provide a structured routine, lots of activity, socialization with other animals, and staff supervision, but they also have the disadvantage of leaving animals unattended in the evenings and at night if they are not taken home.
Online platforms for finding pet sitters (Rover, Care.com, and similar)
In recent years, online platforms such as Rover and Care.com have emerged that connect pet owners with individual pet sitters who offer services in their area. These platforms allow you to view the profiles of potential pet sitters, read reviews from other owners, schedule services online, and pay online. This can be a convenient and often affordable option for finding a sitter for your pet.
The advantages of online platforms include a large selection of sitters to choose from, the convenience of booking online, the ability to read reviews from other owners, and often a lower cost compared to traditional boarding facilities. However, disadvantages include the fact that the quality and reliability of pet sitters can vary greatly, platforms often take a commission from the payment (usually 20% or more), and you have less control and oversight over some aspects of your pet's care.
Friends, family, and neighbors
Many pet owners leave their pets with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor when they are away. This is often the most affordable option financially, and the pet is often more comfortable with someone they already know. However, there are also drawbacks, such as the possibility that your friend may forget to care for your pet on a given day, feed them incorrectly, be unable to handle an emergency, or not provide enough activity for your pet.
Criteria for evaluating a pet sitter
When choosing a pet sitter, regardless of the type of service you choose, it is important to evaluate the potential sitter on several key criteria to help ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.
Experience and knowledge about animals
The first thing to look for is the sitter's experience with animals, especially with your specific type of animal and breed. Ask how many years they have been working with animals, what types and breeds of animals they have experience with, and whether they have experience with animals with special needs that your pet may have. A good pet sitter will not only know how to feed and care for your pet's physical needs, but also understand animal behavior, know how to recognize signs of stress or illness, and know how to deal with problem behavior.
Reviews and recommendations
It is very important to read reviews from the sitter's previous clients. If you are using an online platform such as Rover or Care.com, you can read detailed reviews and ratings from other owners. If you are looking for a sitter through a local boarding facility or service, ask them for a list of references that you can check. Personal recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian are also valuable.
Pay attention not only to the overall rating, but also to specific comments in the reviews. Look for comments about how the sitter handled specific pet needs, how often they communicated with the owner, how they handled problem behaviors, and whether it was clear that they genuinely cared about the pet's well-being.
Communication and availability
A good pet sitter should be available to communicate with you and should regularly update you on your pet's condition while you are away. Ask how often they will contact you, whether they will send photos or videos of your pet, and how they will handle emergencies. Some modern pet sitters send a diary with photos and descriptions of what your pet did each day, which can be very reassuring for anxious owners.
Medical knowledge and readiness to handle emergencies
It is very important to discuss with the pet sitter how they will handle your pet's medical needs and emergencies. If your pet is on medication, make sure the pet sitter knows how to administer it properly. If your pet has a chronic condition, make sure the pet sitter understands the symptoms to look out for. Most importantly, make sure the pet sitter knows how to handle an emergency, has your veterinarian's number, and has permission to take your pet to the vet if necessary.
Safety and background checks
If you use a pet sitter who comes to your home, consider safety. Make sure the pet sitter has undergone a background check and is insured in case something happens to your home or pets during their visit. Some pet sitters are located through agencies that conduct security checks, while others do so independently. Some agencies also require pet sitters to have liability insurance.
Compatibility with your pet
Unfortunately, not all pet sitters are good with all types of animals, and not all animals get along well with all pet sitters. If possible, arrange a meeting between your pet and the potential pet sitter before you leave your pet in their care. Observe how they interact with each other, whether your pet is comfortable with this person, and whether the pet sitter understands your pet's temperament and cares about its comfort. Some pets take to new people right away, while others need time to adjust.
Top Pet Sitting Services in Edmonton
Based on reputation, customer reviews, and available services, here is a list of some of the most recommended pet sitting services in Edmonton.
Pet Sitters International and similar institutions
Pet Sitters International (PSI) is a professional organization of pet sitters that sets quality and ethical standards for its members. Finding a sitter through a PSI-certified company ensures that they are certified and adhere to certain standards of service. There are several PSI-certified pet sitters and companies in Edmonton.
Rover and Care.com
As mentioned earlier, Rover and Care.com are online platforms that allow you to search for pet sitters in Edmonton. Both platforms have a large selection of pet sitters with varying prices and levels of experience. Rover is especially popular for in-home pet sitting services and has very detailed profiles and reviews.
Best Friends Pet Care
Best Friends Pet Care is a national chain of pet centers with locations in Edmonton. They offer boarding, daycare, grooming, and training services. The centers have licensed animal technicians and staff, equipped with modern facilities and surveillance cameras so you can monitor your pet online.
Sniffspot and similar platforms
Sniffspot is a relatively new platform that offers not only pet sitting services but also access to private backyards for dog walking. This can be a good option for dogs that need a lot of activity and love to play outdoors.
Local independent pet sitters and boarding facilities
There are also many independent pet sitters and small boarding facilities in Edmonton, which are most often found through referrals and social networks. These operations often have a more personalized approach and may offer more flexible schedules and specialized services for animals with special needs.
How to prepare your pet for a pet sitter
For many pets, especially those who are not used to being left alone for long periods of time, the sudden transition to being cared for by a stranger can be very stressful. Therefore, it is important to properly prepare your pet for this experience.
Arrange a meet and greet
If possible, arrange a meeting between your pet and the potential pet sitter or, in the case of a boarding facility, allow your pet to visit the facility before the actual departure. This will allow your pet to get to know the new person or place at a relaxed pace and help reduce anxiety when the actual separation occurs.
Start early with short separations
If you know you will soon be leaving your pet in the care of a sitter, start preparing some time before by leaving your pet with the sitter for short periods of time. Start with one hour, then two hours, then a whole day, allowing your pet to adapt gradually. This will help reduce the stress and anxiety of separation when you need to leave your pet for a longer period.
Leave familiar objects and smells
If your pet will be away from home, ask the caregiver for permission to bring your pet's belongings, such as a favorite toy, pillow, or clothing that smells like your home. These familiar items can help your pet feel more comfortable and less anxious.
Provide detailed instructions and contact information
Put together a detailed list of all the information the pet sitter may need about your pet, including their grooming routine, their favorite games, things they are afraid of, their diet and medication schedule (if they take medication), and contact information for you and your veterinarian. The more detailed information you provide, the better the pet sitter will be able to care for your pet and tailor their care to your pet's specific needs.
Keep records of health and preferences
Note that some pet sitters may ask for or require records of your pet's vaccinations and health, especially if your pet will be sharing a common area with other animals. This is normal and reasonable, as it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Safety and privacy when hiring a pet sitter
When hiring a pet sitter to come to your home while you are away, the safety of your home and personal belongings is also an important consideration. Here are some steps you can take to minimize risk:
Request a background check and ensure that the caregiver is insured. Some companies through which you can hire a caregiver will conduct background checks for you. If you are hiring through an online platform, check to see if the platform conducts security checks.
Change your code words and entry points. Consider giving the caregiver a code number instead of a key, change the code as soon as they finish working for you, and don't leave your address on mail everywhere in your home.
Install surveillance cameras. Some people install indoor surveillance cameras or doorbells with cameras that allow them to monitor what the caregiver is doing while they are in your home. However, make sure you inform the caregiver about this and that you comply with local privacy laws.
Ask for references. Ask the pet sitter for several references from previous clients and call them to check the pet sitter's reputation.
Pet sitter prices in Edmonton: what to expect
The cost of pet sitting services in Edmonton can vary significantly depending on the type of service, duration, size, and needs of your pet.
In-home pet sitters
In-home pet sitters typically charge between $40 and $75 per visit, depending on the length of the visit, the number of pets, and the location of your home in Edmonton. A short visit (about twenty to thirty minutes) to refill food and water and take a quick walk can cost between forty and fifty dollars. A longer visit (about forty to fifty minutes) with more interaction and playtime can cost between fifty and sixty-five dollars. If you need multiple visits per day, some pet sitters offer package deals.
Through online platforms such as Rover, prices often range from forty to one hundred dollars per visit, depending on the sitter's experience and location. Some of the more expensive sitters on the platform, who have many five-star reviews and years of experience, may charge even more.
Pet boarding facilities
Pet boarding facilities typically charge between $60 and $120 per day per pet, depending on the amenities of the facility, the size of your pet, and any special services you request. Cheaper boarding facilities may offer basic accommodation and minimal interaction, while more expensive boarding facilities may offer large, comfortable sleeping quarters, day care, grooming, and lots of interaction with staff.
Daycare centers for animals
Daycare centers for animals typically charge between fifty and one hundred dollars per day, depending on the center's amenities and services. If you need daycare on a regular basis, some centers offer package prices or discounts for repeat customers.
Questions to ask a potential caregiver
To ensure you ask all the right questions to evaluate a potential pet sitter, here is a list of questions you might ask:
How long have you been working with animals? What experience do you have with my type of animal and breed? Have you cared for animals with special needs, such as diabetes, anxiety issues, or aggression? How often will you come each day? How often will you contact me and give me updates? What are your fees and how do they vary depending on the services? Are you background checked and insured? How do you handle emergencies? What is your phone number and how can I reach you if necessary? Can I visit with my pet beforehand to meet you? Do you accept puppies, pregnant animals, or animals with specific medical conditions? Can you give me some references from previous clients I can talk to?
How to deal with separation anxiety and stress in your pet
One of the main concerns for many owners is that their pets suffer from separation anxiety or stress while they are away. While choosing a good pet sitter will help minimize this stress, there are other things you can do:
Start a routine that helps your pet feel more comfortable. Ensure that the sitter follows the same routine as you do at home. Leave music or the radio on to provide background noise and sounds. Consider using pheromone plug-ins, which have been proven to help calm pets. Leave favorite toys and items with your scent on them. Consider using a variety of distracting toys, such as Kongs or interactive balls, to keep your pet busy and mentally stimulated. If your pet has severe separation anxiety, consider consulting with your veterinarian about temporary sedatives for the duration of your absence.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Option for Your Pet
Choosing the right pet sitter in Edmonton is an important decision that could have a significant impact on your pet's health, comfort, and happiness while you are away. It is crucial to understand the needs of your specific pet, evaluate the various options available, and carefully assess potential caregivers based on their experience, reputation, communication skills, and ability to provide specialized care if necessary.
For many dog owners, the best option will be a combination of services, such as a sitter who comes to the house once or twice a day to feed and walk the dog, supplemented by daycare a few days a week for additional activity and socialization. For cats, a house sitter is often sufficient, as cats generally have lower activity needs.
The most important thing is to find a pet sitter you trust, who genuinely cares about your pet's well-being, and with whom your pet feels comfortable. With the right sitter and the right preparation, you can leave your pet with confidence, knowing that they will be safe, well cared for, and happy, even when you are not around.