A good pet sitter is a valuable friend to any pet parent. Treat a good pet sitter well, remember them (generously) during the holidays, and keep them happy, because you never know when you might need them at the last minute.
But finding a pet sitter is not so easy as just leaving your pet with any animal lover. There are hundreds of listings in the phone book or online, but how do you choose?
Start by asking the staff at your vet's office if they recommend someone (some vet assistants do a little pet sitting on the side), or ask your friends and neighbors if they've had a good experience with a sitter.
Once you've got a lead, setup a meeting with the sitter. If you have the option to meet them in their home, make a point to observe them with their own pets. If they stop by your home you'll be able to show them the routine, and it's also a good time to see how they interact with your pet.
A few things to check on when hiring a professional pet sitter: Insist that they give you references , then check them. Does the sitter have any pet CPR or first aid training in case of emergency? 
What sort of time and attention is guaranteed for your pet? For example, if you hire a sitter with 20 other clients that weekend, perhaps your dog isn't going to get the regular walk she's used to. How many times will the sitter stop by, and for how long each time? Will they stay at your house to just hang out with your pet, or take them to the park? (Some sitters will stay to watch a movie, read your pet a book, or give your pets a massage.) Or do they just stop in to let your dog go O-U-T. Make sure you're happy with the schedule and arrangements.
If you've got a good friend or family member that you can swap pet-sitting services with, then you're in luck. If you haven't set up an arrangement with anyone already, then you might want to visit Pawspot.com. Pawspot helps you interact with other pet parents that you may already know, or make new friends. Once you've got a good network of pet parent pals, you can start to arrange trade offs for pet sitting. The site also lists area pet parks, forums, and other info that might be helpful when researching your pet sitting needs.
Tip: Don't write off that friend that loves animals, but doesn't have a pet right now. It doesn't hurt to ask, because they may just be looking for a quick Fido Fido-fix.
Before you skip town and leave your best friend in the care of a sitter, get organized. Make sure that all the food and water is accessible, and leave collars, leashes, medications and other necessities where the sitter will be able to find them. Let your sitter know that a list of emergency contacts is taped to your fridge (and make sure it includes the number of your vet, and another person who is acquainted with your pet as a back up) along with a photo of your pet, in the unfortunate event that your pet becomes lost. Close the doors to closets, the bathroom, and any other area where your pet could get into trouble, and make sure to put any thing that you don't want broken, chewed or eaten out of reach.
Pet sitters are perfect for the cat or dog who doesn't adapt well to boarding or being crated, and it's often cheaper in multi-pet households to have one person come to visit, than to take all of your pets to another location. Most sitters charge a flat fee (usually starting at about $20 per day) for the first pet, and a discounted fee for each additional pet. Others charge a per visit fee, so you have the option to pay for additional walks or play time. Ask if they can provide care for your ferret, rabbit or other small pet while you're away.
Having an in-home sitter may also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is going to be more secure, since someone is there regularly, but ask your sitter about how they plan to avoid making your absence appear obvious to anyone keeping an eye on the place.
However, a stop in pet sitter may not be ideal for a very active dog, who needs more attention and exercise. For a high-energy or a high-anxiety pet, you may want to arrange for a stay-in pet sitter (in your home or in theirs) so that the pet is given extra play time and supervision. Unless you have a friend or family member for this, hiring a full-time professional for this can be costly.
It's important that you have a good relationship with your pet sitter, so don't wait until you need one to find one. Start asking around for referrals before the last minute trip pops up, so you and your pet can feel 'right at home' with your new sitter.
For more information on what you should expect from any pet sitter, and how you can help your pet enjoy the experience, visit Pet Sitters International.
Check back Friday for more about how you can plan for your Holiday Pet Sitting Needs.
