Through Lamia Walker, the owner and passionate founder of HouseSitMatch, we happily accepted a pet sitting assignment from a pet owner in Budapest, Hungary. This is the story of how we were faced with a difficult situation – how to manage pet illness on a housesit. Read on to learn how we found a way to handle this delicate situation with the homeowners abroad.

The need to manage pet illness on a pet sit in Hungary

The family and pets we would care for live in a suburban four-bedroom house with a large and beautiful terrace, garden and outdoor pool, located just a bit outside of Budapest on the Buda side of the Danube. The assignment was for two dogs, a very friendly male boxer and a six-year-old alpha female dachshund. 

When we arrived, we went through the usual introduction of the home and pets. However, the homeowners also told us that Captain, their big, sweet boxer, wasn’t feeling up to snuff. They asked if we would mind taking him to the vet. He had an appointment to see what might be wrong. We had not anticipated a brief to manage pet illness but it happens and we’ve undertaken many pet sits for older pets.

So, a couple of days after the Homeowners headed out on their vacation; we took Captain to the vet. 

We got his blood work done. He had some inflammation which was making him sluggish. On the advice of the veterinarian, we adjusted his diet (to mainly plain rice and boiled pork), gave him small portions, increased the number of times per day he ate and gave him some medicine. We followed the vet’s instructions to the letter as a way to manage pet illness.

How to manage pet illness on a pet sit?

If you suspect one of the animals is off colour or not behaving as you would expect, check the list 3 signs of a sick animal –

• Are they not eating their food, or not drinking at all
• Is the pet having trouble keeping food down
• Have you noticed different physical movements or behaviours.

If any of these apply they contact the owner.

Knowing that Captain wasn’t his old self led to us asking ‘The Dreaded Question’ that needs to be asked at every pet sit before the homeowners leave. This is the question …

“If something serious were to happen to Captain (pause) or any of your pets … what do you want us to do?”

Tips on how to manage pet illness on a pet sit

Unless there is a sick or very old pet, leave the question to the end of your discussion during the handover (when the pet sitter takes over the house and pet family). It eases the anxiety over sick pet.

By waiting, the homeowners and pet sitters will be more comfortable with one another. This helps when discussing a sensitive situation like how to manage pet illness, or how to take care of sick animals when the owners are away. 

1. Be careful how you word the question. The last thing you want to do is cause alarm unnecessarily. Be calm and reassured when you ask the question. Let the homeowner know that you can handle the situation.

Examples: Have you thought about what you would like us to do if one (or more) of the animals becomes ill and you need us to manage pet illness?

2. Leave time for their answer. Many homeowners have not thought about their pets getting seriously ill and what they might do if their pet passes while they are away.

3. Do not be surprised if the homeowners do not wish to be contacted. Don’t judge what their decision might be. Some owners have said that they know they can’t do anything, so please keep the news for when they get home.

What to do if the homeowner can’t answer the question?

These kind of questions emerge, and should lead to productive conversation … they will all help you to manage any possible pet illness.

Have you left instructions with your vet? 

Does your vet know your pet and you well enough to know what to do?

Have you lost a pet in the past? What happened?

Do you want daily communication as to how the pet is feeling? Eating? Playing?

This is a tough conversation, but if something does happen, you may be so glad you had it ahead of time.

 

Tribute to Captain’s rally

We had a happy ending when it came to Captain. The petowners returned home to a playful, fun-loving pup who rallied on seeing them, we had done our best to manage pet illness and keep him as comfortable as possible.

He was back to bumping the pillows off the hammock, bugging his little dachshund sister during her morning sunbathing by the pool, begging for attention from the gardener and eagerly attacking his rice and pork meals.

Pet owner – Final thoughts on preparing for your petsitter

And finally, always make sure your pet house sitter is insured or that you have pet insurance that covers. Prepare an information pack about your pets to brief your sitter. Make sure the pet house sitter has the number of your veterinary surgeon in case of any emergencies.

This is in the unlikely event that may arise while you are away from home. It’s best to be prepared, for your animals’ sake.

TO REGISTER to be a pet house sitter on HouseSitMatch FOLLOW THIS LINK

TO REGISTER as a pet homeowner on HouseSitMatch FOLLOW THIS LINK

 

FURTHER READING FOR PET OWNERS

Vet Matthew Bayliss – Tips on preparing for the pet housesitter

Relax cat! It’s only a petsitter, says Vet Matthew Bayliss