These are just three of the dogs that have recently died or gone missing while in the care of pet sitters.  We therefore call on the Minister for Animal Rights to immediately enact legislation governing the above four sectors in line with International guidelines, including, but not limited to, the holding of an operating license.  Anyone engaged in these sectors needs to apply for a license, including those offering pet sitting facilities in their private homes as a business.  

The terms for the granting of a license must include: 

• Criminal records background checks.

• Liability insurance.

• The space available must be safe and suitable for the particular animal, i.e. dogs, cats, parrots, etc.  

• The number of animals kept should not exceed the capacity of the available space.

• Dogs/cats should not be kept in crates and should be in a comfortable temperature at all times, with plenty of fresh water available.

• Dogs must not be left alone; a pet sitter must be present at all times. 

• Random checks should be carried out by the relevant authorities to ensure that the terms of the license are being adhered to. 

• Dog carers must also undertake courses in these areas: animal first aid, animal behavioural issues, and other courses for specific species.  All of these courses are easily available online from organisations that are EU accredited, until such time as suitably accredited courses are available locally.

 

Other Requirements: 

• Dogs should be given adequate exercise for the breed, and taken out for walks 2-3 times a day, according to their needs, ideally in the early hours of the morning and after 6.00 pm in the summer months.

• A limit should be placed on the number of dogs being walked by any one person, i.e. not more than 2 dogs per person for large breeds and not more than 3 dogs per person for small breeds.

• CCTV Cameras to be placed outside the main door of the pet groomers, dog day cares/pet sitters to be referred to should an accident occur or should an animal escape.

• When a pet goes missing, a report should be lodged with the police within 4 hours and the owners notified. 

• In the event of injury, the animal should be taken to a vet immediately and the owner notified. 

• In the event of the death of a pet while in the care of a sitter/walker, a system should be in place to ensure an immediate autopsy, transportation and preservation for all sizes of pets. 

We request that these recommendations must be put into immediate effect.  Too much damage has been done already because of a lack of proper legislation and enforcement, especially the heartache owners go through when they lose their dogs in these circumstances.