Pet sitters are a great asset while you’re away from home. A good pet sitter will spend quality time with your pet,  exercise him, and knows if your pet needs veterinary attention. In addition, pet sitters typically offer other services, such as bring in your mail and newspapers, watering those lovely plants, turning lights on and off, and providing homes with a lived-in look to deter crime.

But just because someone calls herself a pet sitter doesn’t mean she’s qualified to do the job. This information will help you find the best pet sitter for you and your pet.

Why hire a pet sitter?

When you are away from home and you don’t want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you are like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and look after your pet. But if this is not an option, what is the solution? You could consider hiring a “pet sitter”—a professional individual paid to care for your pet.

A pet sitter can offer you and your pet many benefits.

What your pet gets:

* the environment that he knows best in his own home.
* his same diet and routine.
* relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
* attention while you’re away.

What you get:

* peace of mind from knowing that your pet is being cared in a manner he is accustomed to.
* someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars are unaware that you’re away.
* someone who will come into your home so you won't have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.
* other services provided, such as plant watering and pet grooming.

Where would I find a pet sitter?

Recommendations from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, or dog trainer are invaluable. You could also check the Yellow Pages or online directory under “Pet Sitting Services.” There is also Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222).

What should I look for in a pet sitter?

Before selecting a pet sitter, it’s important to learn all you can about their qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

* What training or experience does the pet sitter have?
* Is the pet sitter interested about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
* Is the pet sitter available to take your pet to a veterinarian for emergency services?
* Does the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?
* Will the pet sitter provide a written contract spelling out services and fees?
* If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet, and is this detailed in the contract?
* How will your pet sitter ensure that you have returned home?
* Is the pet sitter able to provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

You like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references... the next step... it is very important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home. Have them meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch closely how she interacts with your pet—is your pet comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, you can start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. This way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter’s care for longer periods.

What can I do to help the pet sitter and my pet?

Even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven’t also kept your end of the bargain. You can help by:

* making reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during the holidays.
* ensuring your pet is well socialized and allow strangers to handle him.
* properly ID your pet with current identification tags.
* leaving clearly written instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
* leaving your pet's food or supplies in one place.
* buying extra supplies for your pet in case you’re away longer than planned.
* leaving a key with a trustworthy neighbor as backup, and providing him and your pet sitter each other’s phone numbers... and be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
* showing the pet sitter your home’s safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Finally, have a fun and safe trip. And remember ... bring your pet sitter’s phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.