Want to take a vacation or visit relatives but worry about what to do with your pet(s) for a short or extended period of time? Worried about your pet(s) while away from home for 12 or more hours each day?


What to look for when hiring a pet sitter

* Is bonded and insured.
* Provides references.
* Visits the client's home before the first pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care.
* Shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting and seems comfortable and competent in dealing with animals.
* Provides written literature describing services and stating fees.
* Is courteous, interested and well-informed.
* Wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care.
* Has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being.
* Exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with staff, customers and industry colleagues, so as to present the pet sitter and the pet-sitting industry positively.
* Keeps regular office hours and answers client inquiries and complaints promptly.
* Has a veterinarian on-call for emergency service.
* Has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.
* Conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care.
* Takes precautions to make sure a client's absence from home is not detected because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.
* Calls to confirm or has the client call to confirm that the client has returned home.