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The weather is great; you're itchy to get out of the office and you're already looking forward to your next trip -- be it business or vacation. How do you feel about leaving your home unattended while you're gone? If you're like most people, the thought of it makes you uneasy -- especially if you have pets.

House sitting and pet sitting are both booming businesses these days, and they could be the answer to your worries. So read on to find out how to find a good sitter, and check out our tip for writing off some of your drycleaning bills at the end of the newsletter.

See you soon!
Jim Nixon

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Taking Care of the Critters You Love

No matter how great your vacation plans are, or what exciting business trip you've got on tap, the thought of leaving your home -- and your pets -- while you are traveling can be worrying. Even if you've got a "self sufficient" cat most days of the week, she can become upset and even ill if left without your presence too long. And as for Brutus, well, your shoes are fair game when you're gone.

Americans are pet people. It's estimated that there are 110 million cats and dogs that are kept as pets in this country, and that doesn't even factor in all the birds, reptiles, rodents, and other animals we love and care for at home. It's numbers like this that caused the term "pet sitting" to burst on the scene less than 10 years ago -- and it's one of the fastest growing professions around.

Benefits of using a pet sitter/house sitter:

• Having someone come in regularly while you're away gives your home a lived-in look. The papers and mail get picked up, and lights go on and off. Oh, and the plants don't languish on the window sill, either.
• Your pet stays in a familiar environment with its normal routine and diet.
• No stressful trips to the vet or boarding kennel, and much less risk of your pet picking up a disease.
• You don't have to watch friends and family scatter when you tell them you're going on a trip, for fear you'll ask them to care for Fluffy or Spot.
• You have reliable help, professional care and concern for your pet, and someone able to take charge in an emergency.

How to Find Reliable Help

Now that you've decided you need a house sitter or pet sitter, where do you find one?(The difference between the two is that a house sitter will be there overnight each night. A pet sitter comes and goes once or twice a day and monitors your pet's routine and needs.)

Where to find a pet sitter:

• Check with your vet's office first. He or she will know of reliable people, especially because many pet sitters are or were vet employees. This brings a bonus of better pet care knowledge.
• Ask at a good pet shop in the area. Often they will know of services because the pet sitters may come to the store in the course of caring for pets and need supplies.
• Ask friends who have and love their pets. Finding a lead through a referral like this is great, since you'll get inside information on how well the actual care is handled.
• Check the internet. There are professional pet sitting organizations that enable you to put in your zip code or other information and receive referrals in your area. Try these:
• National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
• Pet Sitters International
• Pet-Sitters.Biz
• House Carers
• Pet Sit Center

(NOTE: These organizations do not police the pet sitters who register with them. They make it possible for you to contact sitters, but it is your responsibility to check them out to be sure they meet your needs and are reputable.)

It is essential that you check references, even of a home or pet sitter you are referred to by a friend. After all, you are handing this person a key to your home during a time when you are away -- and the care and attention of your pet, as well. So, give yourself time to find a good sitter before you go away. This is not something to do the evening you are packing.

What to Expect

A reputable house sitter or pet sitter will want to meet you and your pet in advance of when you go away. An interview is a chance for you to get to know the sitter, and the sitter to get to know your pet. Watch the interaction between the two -- if it seems strained, or if the dog or cat does not like the sitter, keep shopping around.

When talking with the sitter, have your questions prepared in advance. Ask about such things as services offered, fees, whether the sitter is bonded and has professional liability insurance, how he or she got involved in pet sitting and how long ago, what they will require from you before you go, and a list of references. Also ask what contingency plans the sitter makes in case he or she can't get to your home for some reason (illness, accident, weather, etc.)

The sitter will have his or her own list of questions for you, such as what your pet's routine is like, where food and treats are kept, whether there are any health issues to be aware of (be honest here), where the pet likes to hide, and who the vet is that cares for your pet. Every pet has its preferences, and a good sitter will seek to meet those wants and needs. You may feel silly telling your pet sitter that your dog loves to watch the Animal Channel for an hour or so each day, but don't worry -- they've heard it many times from other pet owners! The sitter will also ask you to inform your vet that a sitter will be taking care of your pet(s) while you are away, and leave instructions regarding emergency care (usually including a credit card number and authorization for the pet sitter to seek treatment if necessary.)

You can find checklists of things to do before you leave town, lists of questions to ask potential sitters, and much more on the websites listed above, and also on these:

• A Pet Owner's Guide to Pet Sitters -- excellent advice and information.
• How to Find a Pet Sitter -- Site also has good related links.

Knowing that someone reputable and reliable is going to your home each day, playing with your pet, feeding and examining the pet for any problems, and keeping up the general household things that you need done while you're away can make your trip much less stressful.

Did You Know?

Depending on your business, and why you travel, you may be able to write off your drycleaning that is done just before and just after a trip. This is a business expense, since you need to look your best on the road. Check with your accountant to see if this is something you can do, and then keep accurate records and receipts to verify the amount you deduct. Hey, every little bit helps, doesn't it?

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