Five Tips to Finding a Great Pet Sitter

The annual celebration of professional pet sitters has pet parents gearing up to thank those trusted individuals who take care of our furry companions. The weeklong event is held March 4-10, 2012, and recognizes the commitment and dedication of professional pet sitters nationwide.

“Choosing the right pet sitter can be equally as challenging as selecting a babysitter for your child,” said John D’Ariano, President of NAPPS. “The person you choose should be trained and professional. It’s a serious process and your pet sitter will not only be responsible for your pet, but will also have regular access to your home.”

 

To assist pet parents in the process of finding a professional pet sitter, NAPPS offers the following recommendations:

1. Develop a set of questions and conduct a thorough interview via telephone and in person
2. Ask for multiple references and contact each of them personally
3. Request proof of bonding and liability insurance coverage
4. Schedule a time for the pet sitter and your pet to meet. Monitor the session and make sure he/she interacts well with your pet(s).
5. Look for a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, which indicates the pet sitter has the highest level of education in the industry

Services and fees associated with hiring a pet sitter can vary, so be sure to determine your specific needs before meeting with your potential pet sitter. The NAPPS website offers a nationwide referral network for locating professional pet sitters across the country. The free service provides contact information for all NAPPS members and pet sitting companies in your area—including the services provided and the details regarding the sitter’s experience and expertise.

NAPPS is the only national nonprofit trade association dedicated to serving the needs of professional pet sitters. The Association aims to help pet caretakers by providing free resources including a disaster preparedness guide, tips on how to select a pet sitter, and a nationwide referral service.

Tagged pet care, pet sitting, PetSitters.org