Angie's List Tips For Hiring A Pet Sitter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - For many of us, we take time off and travel for the holidays to visit family and friends.

But, what happens if you can't take your pet along on your journey?

Angie's List has some tips for how a pet sitter can help.

For Peter and Erin Rusthoven, hiring a pet sitter to come into their home and check on their three dogs daily gives them peace of mind that their pets are being well-cared for while they are away.

"We do a quick walk around outside the house. We make sure gates are closed if we have yard play scheduled with the dogs. We check and make sure windows and doors look secure. Part of our training program is teaching our staff what to look for that something might be out of place," Becki Bradford said.

Most professional sitters charge between $15 and $50 per visit, depending on the distance traveled, length of the visit, and duties required.

Visits can range from as little as 20 or 30 minutes to staying in the house overnight.

"When hiring a pet sitter, first and foremost you want to know how they get along with your pet. Have them over to your home. Watch them interact with your pet and see how they do. Also, because they are going to be in your home and you're trusting your pet with them, you want to make sure they are reputable so be sure you are interviewing the person that is going to be taking care of your pet and also be sure they are insured and bonded," Angie Hicks from Angie's List said.

A professional sitter should have an emergency protocol in case of an emergency with your pet or home.

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