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| Pet Sitters Aren't Just For Vacations Washington, D.C. - Recent media stories about new anti-depressants for dogs featured images of man's best friend tearing up the house and acting out aggressions on home furnishings. What these hidden-camera snapshots show is that pets, like people, are creatures of habit, who tend to get bored when left unattended for too long and upset if their routines are changed. Maintaining a proper feeding and exercise schedule is necessary in order for your pet to remain happy and healthy. For some pets, this also means not being left alone all day on a regular basis. However, for many pet owners, leaving the office on time and making it home for a mid-afternoon or evening walk and meal just isn't possible. This is why many busy pet owners are utilizing professional pet sitters on a daily basis - not just when traveling for business or pleasure. "Most people typically think of hiring a pet sitter when planning a vacation," says Lori Jenssen, pet sitter and president of the National Association of Professional pet Sitters (NAPPS). "In these hectic times, however, with people working harder and longer than ever, professional pet sitters are used routinely by people who want to be sure that their pets are not lonely or feeling neglected while they are at work." Frisky critters While most pets are not so extreme as to require medication for depression, many pets, when left to their own devices for long duration's of time will find Plenty of things to do, most of which you don't want to come home to. Whether it is leaving a "puddle" to clean up or chewing your new expensive pair of shoes, pets know how to say, "I need more time and attention." According to Jenssen, "For an average of $12 to $15 a visit, pet owners can rest assured that their furry, feathered and scaley friends receive the amount of care and exercise necessary for good health and happiness when they cannot be at home." Not so neighborly Many people might wonder why they should call on a professional sitter when they can ask the neighbor's son or daughter to walk the dog. "While we all like to help out our neighbor's, there's a line to be drawn. Borrowing a cup of sugar might be standard practice, but it might not be too neighborly to expect them to feed you pet boa constrictor or clean your ferret's cage," says Jenssen. Most professional pet sitters, however, will care for even you most exotic pet. "Whether on a daily basis or when traveling, members of NAPPS care for pets ranging from chinchillas to iguana, snakes and llamas. Most likely, you'll find a NAPPS member somewhere who will care for these types of pets." Pets with special needs Other reasons for having a pet sitter come to your house daily include tending to an older pet that may need to be walked frequently, or a sick pet that cannot miss its medication. Pet sitters will even take in your mail and turn on the lights to welcome you home after a long day. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a non-profit trade organization with more than 1,300 members in the United States, Canada and Australia. Jenssen adds, "It is easy to find a NAPPS member in your area who has the expertise, love and credentials necessary to watch your pet." Call 1-800-296-PETS or for more information, visit the NAPPS web site at www.petsitters.org |
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