House Sitter in Charleston, South Carolina

WHAT DO PET SITTERS DO? Pet sitters come to your home and care for your pet when you are gone. They may stay in your home the entire time you're gone — especially if they're also house sitting for you — or they may stop in a few times a day to care for your dog or cat. Make sure the pet sitter likes your breed of animal and is willing to spend time with your pet if you want your animal to have companionship while you are away. You might invite the sitter to do a trial run and spend time with your animal before you begin your trip. If you choose to hire a pet sitter, recognize that the pet sitter’s main responsibility is to provide food for your animal, opportunities for your pet to relieve itself, and to empty a litter box or freshen a cage. If you have a dog, the pet sitter should walk the animal or let it outside to exercise. It's your responsibility to supply enough food and toileting materials for the duration of your trip. If your pet has any medical conditions or habits that can affect its health, tell the pet sitter about it and explain what they can do to treat the condition or habit. Also, provide contact information for your pet’s veterinarian. Whether you choose to have a house sitter or pet sitter to look after your animal, request regular updates about your pet’s well being. Often emails and text messages that include photographs is enough to help pet owners feel at ease about being away from their furry friend. WHAT DO HOUSE SITTERS DO? A house sitter's primary responsibility is to make the house look occupied while the owners’ are away. The easiest way to do that is to move into the house. If you prefer, the sitter may visit your home daily to simulate activity by doing things like turning the lights on and off, parking a car in the driveway, gathering mail, tending the garden and watering plants. These activities can deter potential break-ins or vandalism on homes that appear empty. If the house sitter makes daily visits to the home, he or she should be seen coming and going. Ask your house sitter to arrive and leave your home during hours you’d normally come and go, if their schedule permits. If you have a swimming pool, a house sitter is responsible for cleaning and maintaining it. They're also responsible for getting unanticipated home repairs that may be caused by storm damage, water leaks and appliance malfunctions done. If able, the house sitter may do the repairs or hire a contractor. Either way, the homeowner must agree to the scope of the repairs and pay the expense. The purpose of a house sitter is to help the homeowner feel secure that their home and personal belongings are safe during their absence. Because most home insurance policies don’t cover homes that are empty for more than 30 days, a house sitter may also help you avoid losing your homeowner’s insurance or paying a higher premium. We charge competive rates including FREE snow removal. David Spires [email protected]