C.C.
If you grab a copy of the Pet Pages (available at most veterinarian's offices and pet stores) they have listings for pet sitters. Ask at your vet's office too, sometimes there's a tech looking to make extra money or they can recommend a client that has their own pet sitting business. At the clinic I work for we have several clients that pet sit who bring their own animals to us (although sadly none in the South Tampa area). With either a tech or an experienced pet sitter (bonus if you share a vet and your vet can vouch that they care for their own animals well) you have the added security of knowing that someone is taking care of your pet(s) who can spot potential medical emergencies before they become too serious. As a for instance, one of our pet sitter clients recently brought in a cat that she was caring for after noticing he was acting off, it turned out that he'd been bitten by something (probably another cat) and the bite had abscessed. Because she has experience and is observant the kitty got the treatment he needed quickly and is none worse for the wear aside from a nice big bald spot his kitty friends are probably making fun of. On the other side of things a client left his dog with someone who took a week to tell him that the dog was vomiting daily (in spite of frequent phone calls), apparently not realizing it was a problem. While the dog is now doing better she was very ill and had to be hospitalized for a week on fluids.
When you do find someone leave them your vet's number and the number for the closest emergency vet along with contact info for you while you are away. It's also a good idea to get in touch with your vet's office to let them know you'll be out of town and X will be caring for your animals and has permission to bring them in for treatment if they need it.
