NEW YORK — Without hesitation, Monty, a 3-year-old goldendoodle, jumped into the arms of Nilo Silva one morning at a New York City dog park.
The big, curly dog is an odd but cute mix between a golden retriever and a standard poodle. But he wrapped his paws around the man like a kid greeting a grandparent.
“He thinks he’s a lap dog,” said Silva, laughing and dodging exuberant dog kisses.
Silva loves the dog, and the feeling is obviously mutual. But he has to maintain an emotional distance; at the end of the day, big, floppy adorable Monty will return to the arms of another.
Silva, 40, owns Doggy Love, a dog-sitting service that comes to the pet’s home each day and plays with it while the owner is off working or traveling. After 13 years in the business, he and his colleagues are out to debunk the myth that pet-sitting is still the casual once-a-day job easily left to the neighbor’s kid.
Last fall, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters launched a media campaign to promote legitimate pet-sitting agencies all over the country. The association touts pet-sitting as a sort of day care for dogs that beats lying around the house, and a far better alternative to kennels for traveling pet owners.
With an estimated 157 million pet owners in the United States — many of whom work full time or spend at least some time away from home — pet-sitting has become big business. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, pet owners are expected to spend over $3 billion this year on doggy day care, “luxury” pet hotels and professional sitters.
The pet sitters association argues that pets get better care from a professional sitter than they do at traditional kennels, where they are more likely to be exposed to sickness and can become stressed in a strange environment.
Sharon Jones, who owns Guardian Pet Sitters in Dallas, said pet-sitting is serious work. “This is not a fun hobby,” she said.
A lifelong animal lover, Jones quit her job in the oil and gas industry 16 years ago to dive into pet-sitting. She and her part-time staff of 22 take care of all sorts of animals, from dogs and cats to rats and guinea pigs, and the occasional domestic potbellied pig.
Silva has five employees, and the business takes in about $240,000 a year, he said, charging $40 to $50 a day per dog for wealthy pet owners on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Silva said it’s a rewarding but exhausting job, with 11-hour days of walking, running, constant attention-giving, and lots of belly rubbing. Silva will spend time with five to 10 dogs each day, and will also foot the bill if one of his canine clients gets sick or injured under his watch, which happens on occasion.
When his clients travel, he takes the dogs to his own home in Queens, N.Y., where he offers kennel services. But even owners who can’t afford Silva’s level of care can find something cozier than a cage for their beloved fur baby.
Wayne Gruen owns Kamp Kanine in Little Falls, N.J. He calls his facility a cross between a luxury hotel and a children’s day care for dogs and “a few good cats.” For $35 a day, he offers 24-hour staffing with playtime and flat-screen TV viewing to help soothe the animals to sleep. He also has massage and aromatherapy sessions for older and injured dogs.
For those who scoff, Gruen said massage greatly improved the quality of life for his dog Frieda, a rescue from Hurricane Katrina, after she lost one of her hind legs.
“The trend is now toward holistic health,” he said.
Silva looks for a reliable person in a pet-sitter and someone who can keep up with the pace of doing it full time. He said potential employees have to love animals.
Samuel Reis, a full-time Doggy Love employee into his seventh year, meets those qualifications.
“They are my life,” said Reis, 31, of his charges.
A native of Brazil, Reis speaks little English and has trouble communicating in the human world of New York City. But he can speak to his dogs.
Pet-sitter interview
Some animal-care experts suggest that traveling pet owners keep their pets in a home setting so the animal can maintain a normal routine. This is especially important when animals, particularly dogs, have health concerns, are prone to anxiety or depression, or have not been vaccinated against kennel cough. Even when taking a pet to an established kennel, “pet owners should perform due diligence before leaving their beloved four-legged family member in anyone else’s care,” according to Paul Mann, chief executive of FETCH! Pet Care (fetch ). That company suggests asking the following questions of any potential pet-sitter, kennel or dog-walker.Do they have good references that are amenable to being contacted? At least three should be voluntarily provided.
Are they fully licensed, bonded and insured?
Can the sitter accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and walking schedule, as well as your desired vacation schedule — even during busy travel seasons?
Does the company keep regular office hours and offer seven-day- a-week telephone and e-mail availability? Will calls be returned within 24 hours?
Does the company have established fees for pet care they can quote over the phone or in company literature?
Has the pet-sitter or dog-walker undergone a criminal background check, and has he or she received proper training?
How much notice does the pet sitter need in order to schedule your request?
Will the professional conduct a no-cost pre-interview with your pet(s) to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet(s)?
How much experience does the pet-sitter have in caring for your particular type or breed of pet?
Will the professional follow your instructions regarding how you would like his or her time allocated during each visit in terms of walking, playing, feeding and cleaning?
Does the pet sitter have a disaster contingency plan or emergency medical procedures in place, and does he or she have experience with animal first-aid training or with administering medications, if needed?
Does the company have “backup” measures in place should there be an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment?
Does the company use a service contract that spells out services performed and fees for doing so?
Is the company/person a current member of Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest organization for professional pet-sitters?
