How To Make Money As A Pet Sitter

How to Find a Pet Sitter

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Pets are great companions. They're fun for children and they liven up a home but they're also a responsibility. In a lot of ways, a pet like a cat or a dog is very much like a child because responsible owners care for their pets and make sure their illnesses and injuries are taken care of. Whether you need a pet sitter to take care of your animal while you're at work or if you just need someone to look after your furry friend whenever you take a vacation, you'll need to know how to find a reputable pet sitter.

Neighbor

Let's start with the obvious choices ? friends, family, and neighbors. The familiarity these guys have with your pets is a massive plus and of course, this is the cheapest way of looking after your pet while you're on vacation. There's also a familiarity for your pets so your cat will feel fine when a familiar face calls around to feed them or your dog will enjoy having a familiar face around to look after them. You'll need to provide everything the pet sitter will need including food and treats. You'll also need to provide emergency contact details for your vet so that you and the pet sitter will be confident that the animal will be properly looked after if something unexpected happens.

Professionals

Kennel fees and cattery fees are very expensive. On average, you should expect to pay $50 a day for a professional to look after your dog or cat. But having a professional look after your pet will give you peace of mind. You won't be straining the relationship with your friends and your pet will love being with other similar animals. Search online for pet sitters or house sitters and you'll find results for websites with customer reviews and star ratings which will make the decision on who to leave your pet with easier.

Vets

We're not suggesting that you leave your furry friend with the vet. That will be the most expensive way to get your pet looked after as average veterinary care costs between $200 to $400, but your vet might be able to recommend a pet sitter. Your vet knows your animal well. They are in the best position to give a recommendation, so why not ask? They may be affiliated with one or they may have a personal recommendation. If not, they may have heard of sitters to use and those to avoid.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Calling the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is another way you can get a professional recommendation. Calling 800-296-PETS or clicking the Pet Sitter Locator on their website puts you through to the only nationwide, professional pet sitting association. Their members have access to education, certification and other resources from NAPPS that help them build successful businesses. These initiatives give customers peace of mind that the accredited pet sitter will take care of their pet professionally.

Pet Sitters International

As with NAPPS, sitters associated with Pet Sitters International are accredited professionals with group rate pet sitter insurance and bonding. Their members also have access to educational tools like webinars, the PSI's member magazine and online classes. Online networking opportunities also help educate PSI members so you can be sure you're leaving your pet with a professional. Check out the PSI's Pet Sitter Locator on their site for a list of professional sitters and dog walkers in your area of the country.