What should I look for when choosing a sitter for my pet?

Engelhardt: Make sure they're bonded and insured. Ask if the same person will be seeing your pet every day.

Andruss: Have your animal with you when you meet the sitter and see how they interact. Ask for references and check them.

McNair: If were hiring a pet sitter, I'd ask for at least four references.

What services do you provide during visits?

Engelhardt: We do daily dog walking and vacation care. We'll refill food and water, scoop cat litter, give medication and provide whatever attention the owners want. We'll water plants and bring in the paper and mail.

Andruss: We'll feed the animals, play with them, brush them, and give them medication if needed. We'll also water plants and bring in mail.

McNair: We'll do whatever the owner wants. It's common for us to help socialize a rescued animal. Mostly, we do daily dog walks and boarding in my house.

How do you charge for your services?

Engelhardt: $14 for the first pet, and $4.50 for each additional pet.

Andruss: It's $15 per visit for the first animal and $2 for each additional animal.

McNair: $13 per visit if it's four or five days a week, $16 per visit for one or two days a week. There's an additional $3 for extra pets.

What plan should be in place for emergencies?

Engelhardt: We ask who their vet is, and have them sign a consent form that says we can take the animal to their vet or an emergency vet. We always try to contact the client first.

Andruss: A medical emergency takes precedence over everything. We'll take the animal to your vet if it's during the day or your animal 911 emergency center.

McNair: I'll be on the phone with the vet and then call the client.

What do you do to protect my house's security?

Engelhardt: I check references on all my sitters. Our bond covers us if we're accused of wrongdoing, and we've never had to use it in my 25 years in this business.

Andruss: We have two copies of the keys, and they never have your name or address on them.

McNair: Everyone who takes a pet sitter is taking that person based on some type of referral or information. People go with their gut. The references are very important in this regard.