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" When you go on vacation and can&amp;#039;t take your pets, you have three choices: Let a friend care for them, drop them at a kennel, or hire a reputable professional pet sitter.   The first option is often best, says Spadafori, since the animal probably already knows your friend and feels comfortable around her. If you can&amp;#039;t do this, a kennel is the preferable choice for puppies, animals with separation anxiety, or pets who need medical care.   According to Lori Jenssen, president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a pet sitter is better for animals who like their routines and feel most secure in their own home. In addition to playing with and feeding your pet, a pet sitter will also generally take in your mail, water plants and turn on lights so it doesn&amp;#039;t look like you&amp;#039;re away. Jenssen says the average pet sitter fee is $12\u2013$15 per half-hour visit, compared with roughly $15 a day per animal for a kennel.   How Do I Choose?   What to look for in a kennel   Personnel on the premises 24 hours a day  A veterinarian on call  Good references  A staff who asks if your animal&amp;#039;s had his shots or been vaccinated for kennel cough  What to look for in a sitter   Proof of bonding and insurance  Affiliation with a professional pet-sitting organization  Solid references  A backup sitter in case she can&amp;#039;t come one day    To find a professional pet sitter in your area, call 800-296-PETS. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2751/choosing-a-pet-sitter-951/>