Choosing a Pet Sitter

Professional pet sitters can keep your pets happy and healthy while you're at work or on vacation. By allowing someone to care for your pet in your own home, you avoid the stresses of traveling with an animal or keeping him in a boarding kennel. Some pet sitters also provide other services such as mail pickup and house sitting for even greater peace of mind while you travel.

What to consider

Always interview prospective pet sitters before turning over the care of your pets. And have them spend some time with your pets to see how they get along. Questions to ask when choosing a pet sitter include:

• Do they have commercial liability insurance in case of accidents? Are they bonded? Request written proof.
• How were they trained? What are their qualifications?
• Do they have an associated veterinarian in case of emergencies?
• Do they have someone they can rely on to care for your pet in the event they have their own emergency?
• Is there a written contract covering the services provided and any fees?

A professional pet sitter should care about your pet including his likes and dislikes, any medical conditions that require special treatment, and the routines you follow in his care. Ask for references to other clients and be sure to check-in with them.

Start slowly

Once you've settled on a pet sitter with whom you're comfortable, start by requesting their services for a short trip. It's better to begin with a weekend away so you can address any issues that may arise and get a feel for how the person will work out.

Take time to find someone both you and your pet are comfortable with and you'll have a trustworthy person to step in when your pet needs a helping hand. Don't forget to use the PCCA directory to find a professional pet sitter or dog walker in your area.