| During this holiday season, you are probably | | | | sitter provide references? A service contract? |
| concerned about what you may do with your | | | | • Ask more questions. What is the sitter's |
| aquarium while you are away. Although fish can | | | | training background? How extensive is his or her |
| survive up to a week without being fed, there is | | | | knowledge of fish medical problems? Does the sitter |
| always the concern of a power outage, water | | | | have a backup plan if he or she is unable to make it |
| overflow, and a host of problems. | | | | to your house? Has the sitter ever cared for fish |
| A good professional pet sitter is a true find. Instead | | | | before? |
| of relying on a friend to feed your fish, you can relax | | | | • Expect questions. The best pet sitters will |
| while you're away, knowing that your fish are in | | | | want to know all about your fish, especially their |
| capable hands. A knowledgeable sitter should be able | | | | eating habits and any necessary water changes. The |
| to spot medical problems and handle emergencies - | | | | sitter should also ask for important telephone |
| and make your absence less stressful all the way | | | | numbers. |
| around. | | | | • Have the sitter visit in advance. |
| If you are going to be gone for less than a week, | | | | • Always leave a telephone number where |
| you probably won't need the services of a pet sitter. | | | | you can be reached and the number of your |
| Most fish can live without feeding for up to a week. | | | | veterinarian. Call the sitter if you plan to return early |
| Choosing a Sitter | | | | or late. |
| For times you are away longer, how do you choose | | | | • Make reservations - the earlier the better |
| the best sitter and make sure your fish get the care | | | | - and confirm a day or two before you're planning to |
| they require? Here are some tips: | | | | leave. |
| • Make sure you're making the right choice | | | | • Have your own contingency plan, |
| in deciding to have a pet sitter. Be aware that | | | | especially during the winter in colder climates. Provide |
| overfeeding of fish is a common cause of death. If | | | | the pet sitter with the name of someone, maybe a |
| your trip away is short, it is better not to have a | | | | neighbor, who can take care of your fish should bad |
| sitter. | | | | weather or other unexpected circumstances prevent |
| • Ask fellow pet owners or your | | | | the sitter from getting there. |
| veterinarian, groomer or pet-supply store for | | | | • Have plenty of supplies on hand. |
| referrals, or look in the yellow pages. | | | | • Give the pet sitter detailed but simple |
| • Know your price range. Sitters charge an | | | | instructions in writing. Leave a measuring spoon, for |
| average of $12 per half-hour visit. | | | | instance, and indicate exactly how much your fish |
| • Ask questions. Ask for documentation. Is | | | | should be fed. Make sure the sitter understands how |
| the sitter a member of a professional association? | | | | devastating overfeeding can be. |
| How long has he or she been in business? Does the | | | | |