Some doggone good advice for finding a pet sitter

For many of us, our pets are like our children, so finding a pet sitter is just as difficult as finding a babysitter. After all, you want to make sure your babies - human and animal - are being well cared for in your absence. Finding a good pet sitter can be a bit of a challenge, especially since any pet lover with free time can advertise themselves as a pet sitter, even if they have no experience.
Sometimes, boarding your pet while you're away is not always the best option. A pet sitter allows your pet to remain in your home where he is most comfortable. For older pets or pets with anxiety issues, an in-home pet sitting service can be especially useful. Staying at home also helps keep your pets on their regular diets and keeps them from the stress of traveling in the car. Plus, your pets will be happier surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home.
When choosing a pet sitter, start with a reputable source, like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (http://www.petsitters.org/) or a personal recommendation from a friend or family member. Remember that not all pet sitters are the same. Someone that excels at caring for cats, for example, may not be comfortable working with dogs. Just because someone is a pet sitter does not mean that they are capable of caring for all animals. Whether you have an exotic bird in your house or a pet with special needs, always make sure the person you are hiring to pet sit is capable of providing the necessary care for your pets.
Remember that you are hiring a pet sitter to perform a job and, like any employer, you should ask for references. It's also important to ask questions and get a written contract. You should have a clear understanding of what the pet sitter will do in an emergency; whether or not there is a back-up person to provide pet care if, for some reason, the pet sitter cannot make it to you home one day; if the sitter provides additional services like play time with your dog; and what hours he or she will be at your house each day.
No matter how great a person sounds on paper or on the phone, it's always important to set up a meet and greet in your home with your pets present. During a home visit, you can get a feel for how the pet sitter interacts with your pets and how comfortable your pets are with a new person. If possible, try to arrange a short-term pet sitting job, like over a weekend, before taking any longer vacations.
Of course, finding the perfect pet sitter doesn't mean your job is over. It's important for you, as a pet owner, to do your part, as well, to help things going as smoothly as possible while you are away. Make a list of medications if your pet needs them and make sure they are readily available for the pet sitter, plus leave the contact information for your veterinarian in case of an emergency. Have plenty of pet food and supplies on hand and be sure that your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines before you leave.
Finding the right pet sitter takes time, so be sure to plan ahead. Remember that pet sitters book up quickly around the holidays when many people are traveling and in need of their services. Give yourself plenty of time to find the right match for your pets and don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll enjoy your vacation a lot more knowing your pets are in capable hands!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.