How to Prep Your Pet for Visitors
Dogs and cats generally react to visitors in different ways. While each animal is different, there are some guidelines that can be helpful to follow for successfully introducing new visitors to your cat or dog.
Northern Virginia is one of the most highly visited places during the Christmas season, due to the nationally renowned celebrations taking place in nearby Washington D.C.
Many people hire pet sitters around this time of year, and it is typically the busiest season for pet sitters and pet sitting companies. Your dog or cat can be prepared for a new pet sitter by following the same steps to get them ready to meet a new visitor of the family's.
For either animal, the best way to start is by asking if any of your guests arriving in Northern Virginia have animal allergies. It's less likely that a pet sitter would have animal allergies, but it is still a good idea to clean your home and animal thoroughly before anyone new enters. You can vacuum carpets, as well as brush and wash your pet. Some even go as far as placing a HEPA filter in the home.
Pet sitters meeting a cat should be told the general behavior of your pet. Cats need to be treated gently, and do not enjoy loud noises. Pet sitters can perch to the animal's level and slowly extend their hand allowing the cat to smell their fingertips. If the cat responds positively to the pet sitter or guest, they can then attempt to calmly pet the animal while using a soft voice. All of the cats play areas should be respected.
Pet sitters or guests can also feed the cat to encourage a positive bond. Litter boxes in places that will be easily disturbed should be moved ahead of time. Depending on how long you guests will be staying in Northern Virginia they may even become a trusted ally for your cat. As a tip, try out these ideas with a pet sitter first to get your cat comfortable with new people before extended stay guests arrive.
Depending on their backgrounds, dogs may more easily adapt to house guests or pet sitters. However, these more rambunctious animals can also pose a different set of issues for your Northern Virginia travelers.
Older visitors may not be able to play with a rough and tumble dog. Train your dog in advance to work on simple and safe games like fetch. Match the game to the dog's natural instincts. Beware of any medications that are left out and make sure guests know to keep them secure. P
et sitters need to be told in advance of any behavior that may cause problems, such as aggressive interaction with other dogs or excited escapes from the front door. Move feeding bowls to less busy areas in the home. Let your visitors or pet sitter know the types of games the dog enjoys and what commands of which they are aware.
By taking a few simple steps new pet sitters or guests to Northern Virginia can become safe and happy companions of your cat or dog.