I always dread the idea of having to hire a pet sitter when we go away.  Dee from the Natural Pet Health blog said this month that most pet owners like the idea of hiring a pet sitter when they're away, but I absolutely hate it!

Still she goes on to talk about how having a stranger in the house could be weird for you and your pet.  It definitely is...and what pet sitter do you know that wants to take care of lots of cats, dogs, gerbils, hamster, birds...all in the same house! (That's the problem I face with pet sitters anyway. I have a house full of pets!)

Surprisingly, pet sitting is supposedly a booming industry, but Dee says it involves a lot of work.  Tell me about it, do you how many times a day I spend cleaning up after all the little ones? How long it takes me? We have to pay that pet sitter a hefty sum! 

Dee says you'll want to interview pet sitters, make sure they have experience and aren't simply doing it because "love pets." Make sure you know their price, their work habits, and above all, make sure you trust them to take care of your pets!!

"Your 3-year old nephew may love pets," Dee says, "But would you trust your 3-year old nephew to take care of them?"

Believe me, there have been many a horror story about pet sitters who have gone astray.  But don't get too worried. Just do your interview, hire someone from a special petting sitting organization or group and make sure you know what you're getting into. When your pets are safe and sound with the right person, you'll be glad you spent the time researching.