What do pet sitters do? What are the advantages for my pet? What are the advantages for me? Will I be able to meet with my pet sitter? How do I prepare my home and pets for pet sitting service? What can I do to help the pet sitter take the best care of my pets?

1. What do pet sitters do?

Caring pet owners know that most pets adjust better to their owner's absence and experience less anxiety and stress when they can remain in their home environment.  Peace of Mind Pet Services makes this possible with daily visits to your home.  In addition to meals, exercise, playtime and cleaning litter boxes or cages, our professional pet sitters may also administer medications and perform other pet-care duties. That is why in-home pet care is the choice of pet owners and the "pet-preferred" method of vacation and travel care.

We also provide vital home-care services while you are away, including mail or newspaper pick up, plant care and watering, placing trash outside for pickup or rotating the lights and opening or closing the blinds to make your house look lived in.  A professional pet sitter provides peace of mind on many levels.

2. What are the advantages for my pet?

Reduced Stress.  Pets are happier and healthier in their home environment and using a pet service eliminates the stress of being left in an unfamiliar place. Diet and Exercise.  We will keep your pet on the schedule to which they are accustomed. This includes, but is not limited to, specified walking times, correct food amounts, and administering any medications your pet may be on, per your instructions. Health Concerns.  With a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illness from other animals. T L C.  Most importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.

3. What are the advantages for me?

Travel.  You will not be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet. No Imposition.  You do not have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pet, but instead rely on a pet care professional who will put your pet's needs first. Security.  Your home is made more secure by the crime deterrent services provided by most pet-sitting services. Peace of Mind.  While you are away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands. Special Services.  Pet sitters can provide additional home services while caring for your pet, such as watering plants and bringing in the mail.

4.  Will I be able to meet with my pet sitter?
Yes!  In fact, it is our standard practice to set up an initial consultation prior to providing any services. This visit is complimentary and allows us to meet you and become acquainted with your pets.  It also provides us the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with your home and pets' routines.  During this visit we will ask for detailed information which will assist us in providing the best care for your pets and security for your home.  Finally, we want to ensure that you are completely comfortable with your sitter.  The consultation and initial paperwork will only need to be done once.  After that, simply call or use the web site to order pet sitting services in the future!

5.  How do I prepare my home and pets for pet sitting service?
Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pet when the pet sitter comes to visit.  Here are some tips:

• Make sure the pet sitter has a phone number where you can be reached.
• If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure they work.
• Clean food and water dishes before leaving town.
• Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you are not able to return when planned.
• Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for your pet during your absence.  In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.
• Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service or maintenance companies while you are away (plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc).
• Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Secure access to those areas before leaving home.

• Tell the cat sitter about all health problems your pet may have.
• Provide written verification that your pet is up to date on its vaccinations.
• Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
• Put current identification tags on your pet's collar.
• Make a list of your pet's favorite hiding places. This will prevent the pet sitter from worrying if your pet is not where expected since the sitter will know where to look.