It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is fast approaching. For those that spend the holidays out of town it’s time to start making travel plans.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to take your fluff ball with you. Many will use their vet’s or a specialized facility, like Must Love Dogs*, for boarding.

For those that aren’t comfortable with either of those choices there is an alternative. You could hire a pet sitter to come to your home.

A pet sitter will spend quality time with your pet, provide exercise, and know how to tell if veterinary attention is needed. Some pet sitters also offer additional services, such as getting your mail/newspapers and watering plants.

The problem is knowing what to look for when hiring a pet sitter, since anyone can call themselves one. To help out I got the following advice from the folks at The Humane Society.

Why hire a pet sitter?

A pet sitter-a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet-offers both you and your pet many benefits.

Your pet gets:

* the environment he knows best.

* his regular diet and routine.

* relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).

* attention while you’re away.

You get:

* happier friends and neighbors, who aren’t burdened with caring for your pet.

* the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.

* someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don’t know you’re away.

* someone who will come to your home so you don’t have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.

* other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.

Find out where to find a pet sitter, what to look for, and what you can do to help the sitter by visiting The Humane Society site.

* Kenzie’s mom Christine works at Must Loves Dogs and highly recommends it to anyone in the Marietta, GA area. Plus, Kenzie gives it two big paws up.