When you must be away from home—say for travel or an emergency—and don't want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you're like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your pet's bowls. But is this what's best for your pet? There's a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you're gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a "pet sitter"—a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.

A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.

Your pet gets:

• the environment he knows best.
• his same 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 transportation.