Choosing the right pet sitter...what you should know.

In-home pet sitters are becoming much more common these days as pet owners look for alternatives to kennels and boarding services. A good pet sitter can give you piece of mind that your pet's routine and surroundings will remain unchanged while you're away. But how do you select a competent service? Allowing strangers into your home can be unnerving at best. Most states have no licensing requirements for pet sitters meaning anyone can print up business cards and answer your call.  They may be the cheapest but they may also put your home and pet at risk. Yvette Gonzales from As You Wish Pet Sitters has some great advice on choosing the right pet sitting service.

1. Look for professionals who are certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. These professionals are trained in pet first aid, animal nutrition, behavior, and holistic medicine.
2. Make sure that employees have passed a criminal background check.
3. Choose an agency that is bonded and insured
4. Do they have an emergency back-up plan? Things like blizzards or car accidents shouldn't put your pet at risk. A good professional will ensure that if they are delayed that your pet will be taken care of.
5. Walk outside and look at their vehicle. Are there any advertisements? If so, you should know that criminals can be tipped off that you are away by the presence of pet sitting services. Safe professionals will come to your home in unmarked vehicles.
6. Pet sitters should have you sign an authorization form for veterinary services.
7. Lastly, take the time to check references. Few things are as important as your home and pet. Don't place your trust in someone you haven't vetted.

What you should expect from a good pet sitter?

1. Only insured employees should be allowed in your home.
2. Sitters should bring their own bedding and toiletries.
3. You shouldn't be asked to provide special food or drink
4. Pet sitters should make the home looked lived in. That means they should bring in the newspaper, shovel the walk, and keep some lights on.
5. Pet sitters should always leave your home cleaner than when they arrived. The last thing you want to do after returning from vacation is clean up after the sitter.

What you can do to to help your sitter?

1. Put together an emergency contact list of neighbors, family, and even home repair specialists like furnace repair, locksmith, and plumbing.