pet sitting

On last night's episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8, Shooka and Nala had just a bit role . . . but one that gave me food for thought. With Jon and Cara in Utah and Kate and the rest of the gang off to see Sesame Street Live!, the Gosselins hired a dog sitter to hang out with the puppies for the day. Must be nice! I understand sitters for overnight trips, and walks during the day, but have you ever hired a pet sitter for just a few hours of absence?
Photos courtesy of TLC

Choosing someone to come into your home and care for your precious pal is not an easy process! While I have friends who've sent their dogs to a pet sitter's home for a short trip, most times it's cat owners that use these professionals. Regardless of your situation, I've gathered some key questions to ask when you're interviewing a potential sitter. It's up to you to do your homework and look for referrals and references in addition to setting up guidelines and arranging the length of time for each visit and the total trip. Check out some key questions and tips when you read more

It takes a village to raise a child… and, apparently, a pet too. It's not so much the $41 billion a year Americans spend on pets ("more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world") according to consumer research company, Packaged Facts, it’s actually becoming socially unacceptable to leave your dog alone during the day or your cat alone over the weekend. Pet sitting has gone from something we asked friends, family members, or neighbors to help with; there is an ever-growing range of resources that cater to the concept of leaving your family friend behind.

To see my top of the line finds, read more