PetsitUSA.com teams up with professional pet sitters to offer pet owners recommendations on what to look for when hiring a professional pet sitter.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) April 2, 2008 -- Pet sitting is a booming business, offering convenience, peace of mind, and a way for on-the-go pet owners to keep their pets happy and comfortable in their own home. However, because there are no industry regulations, it is imperative that pet owners thoroughly research their options before hiring someone to care for their pets. With this in mind, PetsitUSA.com has teamed up with professional pet sitters throughout the country to compile a list of items pet owners should take into account when hiring a pet care provider.

These recommendations come from a number of pet sitters who have been in the business for many years and reflect their dedication to pets and their people, as well as continued improvement in the industry. Some of the items on the list include:

* The pet sitter should be insured, and if the company employs pet sitters, bonding may be necessary as well.

* The pet sitter should be able to provide at least three local references.

* The pet sitter should have a back-up plan. This is essential in case the pet sitter becomes ill, injured, or in any way incapacitated and unable to care for your pets.

* The pet sitter should be knowledgeable about general pet issues, pet first aid, and current concerns (i.e. pet food recalls).

* The pet sitter provides a service contract, and goes over specific services and their associated fees.

The complete list of items professional pet sitters urge pet owners to take into account when hiring a pet care provider can be found at http://www.petsitusa.com/faq_petsittertips.htm. Pet owners will also find FAQs and other information that is helpful to anyone who uses the services of a professional pet sitter or dog walker. Additionally, at PetsitUSA.com, pet owners may search, by zip code or city, for professional pet care providers throughout the country.

"Hiring a pet sitter can be a bit intimidating for the pet owner who has never left his pets (and home) in someone else's hands," says Therese Kopiwoda, founder and owner of PetsitUSA.com (http://www.petsitusa.com). "We felt it was important to compile this list with the input of a wide range of pet sitting professionals, and we believe their combined experience and expertise will benefit pet owners greatly."

Professional pet sitters agree that while the majority of pet sitters are responsible business owners, as with other professional services, pet owners must do their homework to find the best match for themselves and their pets. This list of important considerations, available at PetsitUSA.com, along with common sense, will help pet owners as they search for a pet care provider to meet their needs, and those of their pets.

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About PetsitUSA.com

PetsitUSA.com is one of the leading online destinations for pet owners searching for professional pet sitters, dog walkers, dog runners, and dog daycares throughout the United States. Based in Austin, Texas, PetsitUSA.com was launched in 2003 by Therese Kopiwoda, who also serves a small number of pet sitting clients. For more information visit www.petsitusa.com