If you haven't noticed, the pet industry is booming! Statistics show that 39 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog. They become our family. Traveling with a dog, or cat, is not always feasible and boarding them may not be an option. The pet sitting business is growing and you can most likely find several in your area that offer these types of services.

My best advice is to do your homework! Always schedule a "meet and greet" before your travel date. At the meet and greet be prepared to ask questions. Are they a licensed business? Are they bonded and insured? A professional pet sitting company will have proof of these documents and will be willing to provide them to you. It is a good idea to ask for references, don't be afraid to call them. Be aware of the interaction they have with you and your pet during the meet and greet. Our four-legged friends are a good judge of character. It's always good to know if they are trained in CPR. Ask them how they would handle an emergency situation.

At a meet and greet, paperwork should be provided to you. A veterinarian release form is an important one. This gives the sitter your permission to bring them to your vet or the closest one in an event of an emergency. This is important because if you are unreachable they have your information to give the vet permission to provide medical attention. Another is an information sheet, this is where you can explain any concerns or silly quirks your pets may have. It is good for the sitter to know all they can about your pet so they can provide great service. You should also be signing an agreement that is made between you, this should clarify how the payment should be recieved and the start and finish dates of the pet sit job. The internet is a great tool, but word of mouth in this business is huge. Don't be afraid to ask your vet or groomer if they can recommend a pet sitting business.

Happy hunting!