Overseas, where folks treat pets as true family members, you’re likely to spy a pooch sitting next to you in a restaurant or occupying a seat on a train, Here, most places won’t welcome Fido or Fifi. Stashing your pet in a kennel while your family vacations is one solution, but for kennel-shy critters a sitter may be a better option.
Here are some tips from Di Aldridge, executive director of the Hinsdale Humane Society, to help you find the right sitter:
– Ask your pet’s vet or groomer, the local animal shelter, friends and neighbors for the name of a reliable sitter, or contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (800-477-8211) or Pet Sitters International (336-983-9222) for a list.
– Decide whether you want a sitter to stay in your home, one who will visit daily, or one who will take in your pet.
– Check out references from people who have employed the sitter.
– Introduce your pet and the sitter to one another.
– Make sure the sitter is bonded and insured.
– If the sitter comes to your house, remember to tell your neighbors.
– Supply directions for care, veterinary records and your itinerary.
