How to choose a pet-sitter

Pet sitters do much more than provide a pet with food and water while their guardian is away from home.

A good pet sitter also spends quality time with the animal, gives him exercise and knows how to tell if he needs veterinary attention. What's more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as taking in mail and newspapers and watering plants.

But just because someone calls herself a pet sitter doesn't mean she's qualified to do the job.

What should I look for?

It's important to learn all you can about a prospective pet sitters' qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Find out the following:

- What training has the pet sitter completed?

- What services are included in the fee?

- Are there any extra services that require additional payments?

- Does the sitter have a standard contract that spells out services, payments and other obligations?

- Is the sitter insured for liability?

- Can the sitter provide references that you can check?

- What types of pets has the sitter cared for in the past?

- How much time will the sitter spend with your pet?

- What kind of activities will the sitter share with your pet?

- How would the pet sitter handle a medical or home emergency?

- Is the sitter trained in pet first aid?

- If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times she agrees to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?

- How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods.

How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:

- Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.

- Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.

- Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar.

- Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.

- Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.

- Leave pet food and supplies in one place.

- Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.

- Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.

- Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.

Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change—or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.