PROFESSIONAL PET LOVERS

The Beachcomber

Long Beach, California - The Pet Staff is leading a trend among pet owners seeking at-home alternatives to leaving their pets in the care of friends or kennels. Pet sitters are visiting 10 million homes annually and that number is expected to grow, according to Pet Sitters International, an education and trade group.

Owners are seeking out pet sitters because staying at home is less stressful for animals and keeps them away from other pets that they might fight with or catch diseases from. The Pet Staff offers an option for absent owners wanting a sitter to stop by and feed, play with and exercise their 'baby' - even come for an overnight slumber party to give their pets added peace of mind throughout the night.

In addition to out-of-town care, many pet parents that work during the day rely on The Pet Staff to take their dog out for its midday potty and exercise break.

The Pet Staff visits owners' homes for anywhere from half an hour to an hour several times a day if requested, playing with them, feeding them, even taking in the mail or setting out the trash.

If the owner asks, The Pet Staff delivers. If the pets have a favorite toy, the sitter will use it. If the owners want the animal's commands spoken in German, the sitter will do it. And if the owner wants the sitter to fix the dogs turkey burgers with vanilla Hagen Daas for dessert, the sitter will comply.

"You can get really extreme with this, but that's the fun part." Landa says.

But owner beware. Landa says anyone can print a business card at Kinko's and call themselves a professional pet sitter. Like other established firms, The Pet Staff performs formal background checks and provides a structured orientation. The company also carries the maximum liability insurance and bonding limits in the industry, to ensure each client's maximum protection against negligence or misconduct.

Prices range from $16.40 and up per visit, depending on quantity and type of visit ordered. For additional information and detailed pricing, see the company's web site at www.thepetstaff.com.