| The flights are reserved, the bags packed and the kids | | | | organizations do not know these individuals or their |
| are finally ready! But just as you're rushing out the | | | | reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and |
| door, you run into Fido with those big, sad puppy eyes. | | | | follow-up. |
| Oh NO, what about Fido? | | | | 5. Client References. Ask for other client references. |
| When planning vacation and holiday getaways, our | | | | These will help you get a clearer idea of what to |
| pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail. | | | | expect if you hire this person. |
| Next time, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog | | | | 6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects |
| to stay in the comfort of their home and maintain their | | | | you in the case of damage or theft of your property. |
| normal routine. These are things even well-meaning | | | | However, is does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is |
| friends or family, and certainly kennels, cannot offer. | | | | reliable, caring or trustworthy. |
| Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help | | | | 7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract |
| protect your home from intruders. | | | | and carefully review the details later. A contract will |
| But how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start | | | | protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly |
| looking before your next trip and follow these 10 | | | | what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It |
| recommendations: | | | | should also list the appropriate rates for all services |
| 1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family | | | | offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions! |
| members if they can recommend a pet sitter they | | | | 8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to |
| have used. Word-of-mouth is often the best | | | | spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a |
| reference. | | | | great idea. Monitor your dog's reaction; is he happy and |
| 2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with | | | | comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem |
| each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates | | | | eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet |
| or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved | | | | sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle |
| with the dog or are they distant or restrained around | | | | your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong |
| them? Does your dog want the pet sitter's attention? | | | | or very energetic). |
| Don't second-guess your dog's reaction (or your own); | | | | 9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it |
| if they don't seem engaged, move on. | | | | doesn't 'feel' right, it's not! Keep looking. |
| 3. Questions, Questions. The kind and volume of | | | | 10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions |
| questions pet sitters ask will showcase their actual | | | | (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an |
| experience in caring for your particular breed of dog. A | | | | emergency, and your vet's name and number. |
| professional sitter will take notes; you should too. If | | | | Investing your time in advance and following these |
| they don't ask questions, cross them off your list! | | | | steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting |
| 4. Affiliations. Judging solely by an organization affiliation | | | | experience. So the next time you're making those |
| (such as PSI Pet Sitters International or NAPPS | | | | early travel plans, remember to put Fido, and his pet |
| National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) is | | | | sitter, on your checklist to avoid those big, sad puppy |
| tempting. However, remember these national | | | | eyes! |