What should I look for when choosing the best pet sitter?

Bayer: Make sure your pets are compatible with the pet sitter. Always conduct an interview in your home, and have your pet present, to see how they interact.

Riedinger: Contact a few different sitters and trust your instincts. If a pet sitter does not reply to your initial phone/e-mail inquiry in a prompt manner, move onto the next.

Loosbrock & Bryant: Look for experience, trustworthiness and cost. Also ask the sitter for proof of insurance.

What should I provide for the pet sitter?

Bayer: Provide extra litter, bedding, food, medication, treats, vet information, emergency contact information, an itinerary and a local contact for a friend who knows the pet.

Riedinger: Supply everything needed to keep the household running smoothly while you're away. Emergency contact numbers are a must!

Loosbrock & Bryant: Provide anything related to care giving, as well as key information such as vet details, alarm codes, emergency numbers and a local contact.

What services are included in pet sitting?

Bayer: I exercise the pet and make sure it has food and water, as well as a clean litter box. I'll also pick up mail and newspaper, take out recycling, water plants and alternate lighting so it looks like someone's home.

Riedinger: I do anything I can to give the home a lived-in appearance. I'm happy to keep you updated via text or e-mail, and I'll upload videos to YouTube so you can see how well your pets are doing.

Loosbrock & Bryant: We'll feed, water, walk, play and love on the furry ones. We'll also help walk your dog or even scoop litter boxes if you've had surgery or have a disability.

How long are visits, and how much do they cost?

Bayer: Puppies need extra potty breaks, so I'll stop by to let them out if you need to work late. I charge about $45 for three dog visits per day and $15 for one cat visit per day.

Riedinger: I require a two or three visit per day commitment for dogs and a one visit per day commitment for cats. The average visit is $18.51 for 30 minutes, due at the time of the first visit.

Loosbrock & Bryant: On average, we visit dogs three times per day, but certain dogs may need more visits. We visit cats one or two times per day, depending on needs. We charge $14-$18 per 30-minute visit.

What's your policy on keys and alarm codes?

Bayer: I suggest you create an alarm code just for the sitter that you can delete later.

Riedinger: I keep a key on file for my clients for future pet sitting or emergencies.

Loosbrock & Bryant: We have a secure lock box in our office, and the keys are number coded.