How do you find a good pet sitter?

[songsparrow]

We need to find a pet sitter to care for some small animals while we are away.  I am feeling some anxiety - both over finding someone who will do a good job caring for the animals, and letting someone into our home.  I've gotten the names of a couple pet sitters, but no personal referrals from a person I know and trust.  

 

So, what have you done to find a pet sitter?  What questions do you ask?  They have offered to give referrals, but I'm assuming that they'll only give me people who will say positive things, so is it worth calling referrals given to you by the prospective pet sitter?  Thanks!

[Belacqua]

We asked at our vet's office. Turned out one of the techs does pet sitting as a sideline, so that worked out very nicely. Even if the people in your vet's office don't sit themselves, they might know of somebody who does.

[Pawz4me]

I would definitely start with your vet's office.

 

Another resource, used with caution, is Pet Sitters International.  I say use with caution because anyone can join for a fee.  But to my way of thinking being a member probably means that the person is making an effort to run a legitimate business in a professional manner.

[ThisIsTheDay]

I've used college-aged, former homeschoolers.  One was going to the local CC; one was home for summer break.  While taking care of my pet was important, it was also really important to me that I didn't have to worry someone would go through our personal stuff, files, my kids' rooms, etc. I didn't worry with either of these young men.  One we barely knew at all but he was known by many of our friends; the other is the son of a good friend of mine.

[sparrow]

Agreeing to check with your vet's office. When I worked as a veterinary assistant, I also did pet sitting.

[Rebel]

I googled and went with one in my area who was bonded and had good yelp reviews.  She is pricey, but worth every penny.

[QueenCat]

Get references. Most of my son's jobs are word of mouth.