Sad, Sad Kitty Day

It's a sad, sad day when your client's pet has to be put down, but also very stressful when you, the pet sitter, are the one who has to do it. Are you prepared? And I don't mean mentally.

If the pet is in ill health or very old, you need to discuss the possibility with the owners before they leave on their trip.

1. Have something in writing, signed by your client, that you have the authority to have the animal put to sleep if it becomes necessary.

2. Make sure all vet information is up to date and that you have a Plan B if it becomes necessary to bring the pet in after regular hours. You need an animal hospital that's open 24/7.

3. Have the owners call the vet and/or the animal hospital before they leave to have them note in your pet's file that you have the authority to carry forth with the owner's wishes to have their pet euthanized.

4. As much as you can, discuss possible scenarios with the owners that could happen that would require the pet to be put down. Do they want heroic measures taken? Do they want the pet to just be medicated and kept at the hospital until they return? Where do they stand with their pet having a sudden seizure and can only turn right circles now and won't eat, or if their pet needs emergency surgery, or was hit by a car? Is there a nearby family member or very close friend who can make these decisions if the owners can't be reached?

5. The owners need to make sure their credit card information is on file with the vet or that the vet will bill them so that you aren't financially obligated to pay for the visit, the euthanasia, or an emergency surgery.

This is about communicating with the owners before something happens, and it really applies to each pet you sit, not just the old ones who are more likely to have problems. You never know if you're going to be able to reach your clients on their travels; they could be out of the country. Take the boy scout motto, "Always be prepared" and make it your pet sitting motto.