Animal caregivers give their charges lots of love and attention while the owners are away.

The way Diana Lippert runs her company is a complete and utter disaster. And cats. And even animals such as pot-bellied pigs, lizards, and birds.

Her days, and sometimes her nights, are filled with providing care for the creatures, some of which have fur and some of which do not have fur.

Lippert is the proprietor of a pet-sitting service, which means that she makes it her business to care for a wide variety of animals inside the homes of their owners while the owners are away.

“I have the utmost passion for what I do. Lippert stated, “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” while Murphy the dog licked her hand. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Lippert was called by Murphy’s owner, a businessman who was away from his home in Illinois and needed someone to walk and care for Murphy rather than board him in a kennel while he was gone.

Lippert explained that his company gives clients the option of having their pets cared for in the comfort of their own homes even when they are away on business, working long hours, or simply taking a weekend trip.

As an alternative to boarding, pet sitting has developed into a significant industry across the country. Nearly 6,000 people from all 50 states, most of Canada’s provinces, and a variety of other countries are members of Pet Sitters International, an educational association for professional pet sitters. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the number of people working as “animal caretakers,” a category that includes pet walkers and pet sitters, would rise by 38 percent between the years 1990 and 2005.

However, this rapidly expanding submarket has been able to operate under the radar of a significant number of people who own pets, according to Lippert. She said, “There are so many people that I still find in today’s world who are unaware that there is such a thing as pet sitting.”

They will instead rely on members of their family or close friends, or they will board their dog in a kennel. The majority of pet sitters believe that dogs, cats, and other pets are happier when they are in their own environments, with sights, smells, and sounds that are familiar to them. This is despite the fact that many pet sitters acknowledge the usefulness of kennels.

According to Lippert, a professional pet sitter may also be responsible for giving medications, walking dogs, and performing other duties related to the care of pets in addition to providing meals, exercise, playtime, and cleaning litter boxes or cages. According to what she said, the benefits for the pet include a decrease in stress, regular diet and exercise routines, freedom from the trauma of travel, and, most importantly, some tender loving care.

According to research conducted by Pet Sitters International, a significant number of pet owners view their animals as members of the family and as a result, provide superior levels of care for their animals than in the past. According to recent surveys conducted by PSI, a good number of owners involve their pets in holiday celebrations, keep photos of their pets in prominent locations in their homes, and refer to themselves as their pet’s “Mom” or “Dad.”

According to Patti Moran, president of PSI, pet owners hire pet sitters to take care of their family pets because professional in-home pet care provides an additional layer of safety as well as additional attention for the animals in the care.

According to Moran, “many people who own pets really appreciate the fact that hiring a professional pet sitter ensures that both their animal companion and their house are in good hands.” “While making visits to care for pets, pet sitters provide a measure of crime deterrence by making the home appear inhabited by turning on the lights and television, picking up mail, etc. in addition to closing and opening the blinds. Simply having this feature available is a huge benefit of using our service.

Lippert has provided pet sitting services for a wide variety of animals, including a snake, livestock, and even a pot-bellied pig by the name of Truffles.

“He was 90 pounds but he would flop across your legs and want his belly rubbed, snorting the entire time,” she said. “He was a very affectionate dog.”

Customers who are thinking about hiring a pet sitter should make sure the sitter is bonded and insured, and that they check the sitter’s references. The pet sitter ought to pay a visit to the client’s residence in order to become acquainted with the client and the pet, obtain specific information regarding the care of both parties, and form a bond with the animal.

It is in your best interest to shop around because different establishments charge different rates for sitting. Other suggestions are available on the website of Pet Sitters International, which can be accessed at www.petsit.com.

PET-SITTING CHECKLIST

When looking for a pet sitter, it is important to keep these things in mind, as they have been recommended by Pet Sitters International. You can learn more by visiting www.petsit.com.

• Check that the sitter is bonded and insured, and ask for references from previous clients.
• The pet sitter needs to have prior experience taking care of animals and should prioritize the animals’ security and health.
• The babysitter needs to provide written materials that detail the services provided and list the rates.
• Before accepting their first sitting assignment, the sitter ought to pay a visit to the client’s residence in order to become acquainted with the animals and obtain specific instructions regarding their care.
• The sitter is required to present a service contract to the client that details the agreed upon fees and services. What steps can you take to get your pet ready for a sitting service?
• Provide the babysitter with a phone number at which they can reach you.
• Inform the sitter of any health issues, no matter how major or minor, that your pet has.
• In the event that you are unable to return when you had originally planned, make sure to leave extra food, litter, and other supplies behind.
• Adjust the temperature on the thermostat to maintain a comfortable environment in the home for the pet while you are gone. A house that is closed up during warm weather can quickly reach a temperature that poses a health risk.
• Leave the sitter with a list of phone numbers in the event that they need to contact service or maintenance companies while you are gone. Some examples of these types of companies include a veterinarian, plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, or pool service.