A professional pet sitter allows your pet to remain in his own home where he is comfortable and can be kept close to his normal schedule of feeding, walking, medication, etc. An added bonus is that your home is also cared for while you are away. Everyone loves their pets and we all want the best for them, so when we have to leave them behind when we travel, more and more people are turning to professional pet sitters to care for their pets.

Choosing a pet sitter isn't something that should be taken lightly. Do your research to be sure your pets and home are in the best of hands. Some suggested questions to ask your potential pet sitter are listed below.

Information courtesy of Elynn Clayton, Owner of Dallas and Pals Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.

Below is a list of questions you might consider asking when interviewing a potential pet sitter:

1. Does the business provide proof of license, insurance, and bonding, and provide references?

2. How long has the company been in business?

3. Will the business provide the same pet sitter each time they sit for you?

4. How does the business label your house keys and keep them safe?

5. What is the business's procedure if there is an emergency with a clients pet?

6. What is the business's procedure if your pet sitter isn't available due to illness or emergency?

7. What contingency plan does the business have in the event of inclement weather?

8. Are all the employees of the business Pet CPR/First Aid certified?

9. Do the employees of the business have experience working with special needs pets (giving medications, injections, preparing special diets, dressing wounds...)?

10. Do the employees have experience with multiple types and sizes of pets?

11. Are the employees knowledgeable of the behavioral characteristics of most dog and cat breeds?

12. What credentials do the employees have?

13. How much time does the pet sitter spend with your pets?

14. What is included in each pet sit visit?

Pay close attention to how your pet interacts with a potential pet sitter. Pet's tend to be good judges of character!

Your pet sitter will most likely become a very valuable part of yours and your pets lives. Doing some research and asking questions will help to ensure that you hire a pet sitter who you can depend on and with whom you feel comfortable so that you relax while you are away.