84 | HealthLinksSC.com One thing available to Pet Sitter International members is to get certification as a pet sitter. If you have a pet sitter who is certified, it can give you some peace of mind. It shows the person has demonstrated the skills and knowledge a pet sitter should know to care for a pet. Finding professional pet sitters means asking pertinent questions. Does the sitter have a business license and liability insurance? Do they have references, or better yet, proof of a background check? Remember, these people will be in your house alone. Does the sitter have experience with your type of pet? You’ll also want to have an in-person meeting to see how the sitter gets along with your pet and what sense you get of the person. This is also when you can show them where food, litter, toys, etc., are located and talk about the services you need for your pet. “Finding the right pet sitter for your family allows you to truly enjoy your holiday, but it takes time — time for phone interviews, an in-home meeting and a check of references,” Stultz-Hairston said. “Contact your preferred professional pet sitter as soon as possible to minimize the stress of scrambling to find a professional pet sitter at the last minute.” And when you return home, both you and your pet can enjoy a happy reunion confirming the truth behind the adage, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” AVERAGE SERVICE LENGTH AND FEES IN THE UNITED STATES BASIC PET CARE VISIT Average Time Average Fee 29.6 minutes $ 22.51 DOG WALKING Average Time Average Fee 30.6 minutes $24.69 OVERNIGHT SIT Average Time Average Fee 13 hours $72.33 Source: Pet Sitters International It’s safe to say that pet sitters love pets and spending time with them. However, when looking for a pet sitter, you might find anyone from a teenager who does the work as a side gig to a company with multiple pet sitters.
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