| Do you know that pet sitters offer an option that | | | | One of the most obvious reasons, is that you like to |
| often works out as the best solution for Rover's | | | | take road trips and Rover has a problem with motion |
| care while you are away from home? | | | | sickness. He also finds boarding facilities stressful |
| The simple truth is your dog does not like to be left | | | | places to hang out while you are gone. |
| alone anymore than you like leaving him! Be it a day, | | | | But let's suppose... |
| a week or "heavens" even longer. What will make his | | | | - You have a busy job with irregular hours |
| life a lot less stressful on these occasions, and give | | | | - You don't like to leave your dog alone even for |
| you peace of mind, is the presence of a pet sitter | | | | short periods because he is old, or not in the best of |
| who can play with him, walk him, feed him and | | | | health |
| generally make him happy. | | | | - Your dog is a homebody |
| And who doesn't want to come home to a happy | | | | - Your health is frail and you need a regular dog |
| dog snoring peacefully because his needs have been | | | | walker |
| met. Not to mention, a house that isn't torn up | | | | - You like the idea of combining pet sitting with |
| because Rover got bored and lonely. | | | | house sitting, which some services offer |
| On another note, not all dogs enjoy going on trips. | | | | Do any of those circumstances resonate with you? |
| Oh, they may appear enthusiastic and eager at the | | | | Where to Find Pet Sitters, House Sitters, Dog |
| outset, but this behavior can turn into restless | | | | Walkers & More: |
| anxiety as a car ride becomes a journey into | | | | Many "independent" pet sitters can be found through |
| unfamiliar territory. And Rover may wish you'd left | | | | a referral from your vet's office. As part of your |
| him at home where he feels safe. | | | | review process, you'll definitely want to check their |
| While it's nice if you have a friend or neighbor who | | | | references and also find out if they have taken the |
| will pop in on your dog while you are away, if there is | | | | extra step of acquiring a professional certification. |
| any kind of emergency, you'll pat yourself on the | | | | Another route is through agencies where sitters have |
| back for having hired a qualified pet sitter to take | | | | registered and listed their qualifications, availability, |
| charge. | | | | location, experience, references, and pricing. This can |
| Another comforting part about hiring pet sitters is | | | | all be done in a very confidential manner. |
| that you won't have to break the mold and confuse | | | | Some agencies also offer a complete range of |
| your dog's day-to-day routine. Things will stay pretty | | | | complimentary services including nannies, elder care, |
| much the same, including his food and the time of | | | | house sitters and dog walkers. This might be |
| day he is used to eating. You know, the important | | | | attractive to you if you have an elderly relative living |
| stuff! | | | | with you who also needs some help while you're |
| A dog sitter visits on a regular schedule to feed and | | | | gone. |
| walk your dog. Or, if you wish, can actually stay in | | | | So, next time your dog needs a caretaker for |
| your home to make it look occupied when you are | | | | whatever reason, don't overlook the convenient |
| gone for extended periods. Some caretakers also | | | | option of pet sitters. Once you have a few |
| offer pricing options that include taking care of a few | | | | pre-screened individuals, you could try one of them |
| chores as well. It's your choice. | | | | out for just a short term hire to see how your dog |
| So what are the top reasons, dog owners consider | | | | enjoys the experience. |
| pet sitters? | | | | |