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Pet Sitting a Growing Trend
Pet sitters are professional caretakers paid to care for your pet while you are away. At one time, pet sitting was left to the neighbors’ kids or whoever was available to stop by and give Fluffy fresh water while you were out of town.
Now, franchises and professional businesses have sprung up across the country—and nationwide—to address this growing need among pet owners. In fact, the U.S. Labor Bureau estimates that the employment of animal-care and service workers will have grown 19 percent by 2016.
Why A Pet Sitter?
 Most pet sitters offer in-home services, meaning they will come to your home and care for your pet while you are away. If you prefer your pet receive around the clock attention, many pet sitters will board your pets in their own home. These options can alleviate any worries an owner has with leaving their pet behind, help reduce stress-related trauma a pet may have being taken to a boarding facility, and even potentially avoid any illness, such as kennel cough, your pet may pick up should you leave him at a kennel. Plus, your pet is kept in his surroundings and able to maintain a regular schedule.
Some pet sitting organizations may offer additional services such as light housework, watering your garden or even picking up your mail or newspaper; be sure to inquire when scheduling a consultation.
Pre-interview a sitter with your pet present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet.
Selecting a Pet Sitter
Selecting a pet sitter takes a little more effort than dialing a random number you may see in the Yellow Pages. Elyse Marks, director of marketing for Fetch! Pet Care, the nation’s largest professional pet sitting and dog walking franchise, recommends the following guidelines when selecting a pet sitter:
 Check the company’s references; ask for at least three. - Ensure the company is fully bonded and insured.
- Confirm that your sitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training.
- Pre-interview a sitter with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet(s).
- Let your sitter know how you would like him/her to use their time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.
- Verify that the sitter can accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and walking schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule, even during the busiest holidays.
- Ensure the company offers seven-day per week telephone and e-mail availability.
- Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet(s) as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information, and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, and treats in one central location.
- Ensure the company has “backup” measures in place should your sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment.
What to Avoid In a Pet Sitter
Robin Itzler, co-founder of Royal Care Pet Sitting in Orange County, Calif., says that pet owners should avoid people who view pet sitting as a way to make a few extra bucks. “Their mindset and commitment will be lacking,” she explains.
Itzler also warns of people who take a laid-back attitude of “I know what to do” during a meet-and-greet session with a potential client and their pet(s). She says potential pet sitters should be asking questions and taking detailed notes.
According to Itzler, not only should pet owners be at ease knowing their fuzzy friend is being cared for while they’re away, pet sitters should have a true love of animals.
She explains, “One of the greatest things about being a pet sitter is that you get to meet the nicest people on four paws.”
Pet Sitting Resources
There are a number of resources available for pet owners looking to find qualified pet sitters. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a national nonprofit U.S. trade association for individuals with pet sitting businesses, offers a zip code pet sitter locator on their Web site.
Additionally, Pet Sitters International is a member-based global leader in the pet sitting industry, and offers a pet sitter locator on their site.
Fetch! Pet Care is a national franchised operation, with more than 180 offices in 34 states. Use Fetch! Pet Care’s pet locator or call 1-866-FETCH-ME (1-866-338-2463) for a location near you.
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Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.
Planning a vacation or traveling for work? Instead of boarding Max at the kennel or burdening a friend with doggie, kitty or reptile duty, consider another option: professional pet sitters.
