These days the cost of travelling is far less than it used to be. In fact more and more of us are taking advantage of all these low air flight prices and package deals and are now going away on vacation several times a year for long vacations and mini weekend breaks. This is great for us but what about our pets?

Pet ownership is increasing every year and this means that there are more animals out there that require looking after while we are away on vacation. Of course there are several options open to the pet owner, you could pay out for kennelling or you could ask a neighbour or family member. Both of these options are acceptable if you are in the position to pay the kennelling fees or have very good relationships with your neighbours. But if not, then there is another option: Pet Sitters.

Pet sitting offers many benefits over kennelling and asking friends and not just for you but also for your pet. Here are just a few of them:

Your pet will feel happier remaining in their home environment.

Your pet will have structure to their day and receive regular human contact and care.

The sitter will know what to do in and emergency and be able to give any existing regular medications.

The costs involved are far less than kennelling.

There is no need for your pet to travel anywhere, often a cause for stress.

You will not feel as if you are imposing on your friends.

Your home will be regularly visited while you are away.

Of course ensuring that you hire a pet sitter that you can trust is not as easy as it first sounds. There are many people advertising themselves as pet sitters who have no formal qualifications or experience and who may have other motives for wanting to access your home. The best way to find a trust worthy pet sitter is via a recommendation either from friends and neighbours or from another animal professional such as a vet or groomer.

There are also some specialist companies set up who act as agents for pet sitters who monitor and regulate their Sitters regularly. They can also provide a backup sitter if your regular sitter is unable to attend your pet due to unforeseen circumstances. This may add to your piece of mind.

Before you hire someone to look after your pet while you are away it is important that you meet up with them to ask them questions about their experience, qualifications and to see how your pet reacts to them and visa versa. This will help you make your final decision.

Once you have hired your pet sitter a written agreement should be made between you both highlighting what services your sitter will carry out and how often and the costs involved. It should also include details of your pets likes and dislikes, there eating habits and routine, any medications which need to be given etc. You should also show your sitter where everything they will need is kept in the house, like cleaning equipment, the food and litter and the pet’s toys and bedding. You should also provide your sitter will full contact details for yourself, a neighbour, a nearby relative and the local vets, along with a copy of your pets medical papers and record of vaccinations.

To ensure that everything will run smoothly and that your pet will be properly looked after and not feel stressed while you are away there are a few last minute things you will need to do.

Make sure you have supplied enough food and litter for the sitter and have left it in a convenient place.

Make sure doors are closed to rooms you do not whish your pet to enter.

Make sure a small light is left on or is timed to come on for the comfort of your pet.

Ensure that familiar toys are left available for your pet while they are on their own.

Leave a few items of your clothing lying around, the familiar smell will reassure your pet.

Inform a neighbour that a pet sitter will be visiting your home and leave a spare key with them and your contact details in case of emergencies.

With all of this in place, your vacation should be a happy and relaxing experience for both you and your pet.