With Memorial Day here and gone, summer vacation season is officially in full swing. This can be a challenging time for pet parents who often cannot bring their furry kids along for the ride.

Back in the day, it was easy to ask a friend for a relative to care for your pets while you were away on vacation and then return the favor at a later date. But these days, everyone is so busy, there is rarely time to assist with these types of commitments.

Pet sitters give pet parents an alternative in a world of kennels, catteries, pet hotels and daycares. When using a pet sitter, pets enjoy: staying at home in their safe, secure environment; being surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds; following their regular diet and exercise routine; playtime and receiving personal attention; eliminating the trauma of moving them to an unfamiliar environment; ensuring good health and negating exposure to other animal’s illnesses or parasites.

Pet parents enjoy: knowing their pet is in caring hands; having the confidence that a professional sitter can deal with issues such as emergencies, as well as taking care of grooming and vet visits; eliminating the trauma of having to transport and leave pets behind; not having to impose on family, friends, or neighbors; feeling their home is more secure with someone going in and out several times a day.

Hiring a pet sitter is a serious process. Not only will they be taking care of your pets, but they will have regular access to your home. When choosing a professional pet sitter, here are some things to consider:

Is the sitter available for or do they themselves require a consultation interview?
Does your pet react well to the sitter that will be handling your pet?
Can they provide proof of insurance and bonding?
How do they handle security (i.e. keys, credit card numbers, logos on cars and apparel, etc.)?
Do they have an emergency preparedness plan?
Is your sitter a member of any professional organizations such as The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) or Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com)?
Is your sitter certified with one or more of these organizations?

Planning ahead with this checklist and finding a sitter that is right for you and your pet family will ensure a hassle free vacation season. Visit www.petsitters.org or www.petsit.com for more information about the profession of pet sitting.