I know the owner of SitterCity.com, and they are considering starting a pet-sitting referral service.  I have signed up to be part of a focus group for their initial planning stages - they are thrilled to have someone who has something other than a dog/cat and I'm thrilled to be able to represent the 3rd most popular pets in the US.

Trouble is, I've never actually USED a pet-sitter!  I've only had Pepper since September.  So I need some info. 

If you have used a pet-sitter (whether a neighbor or pro), can you tell me
1)  How long you needed them for
2)  How did you find them?
3)  How much did you pay?
4)  Was it in your home or theirs?
5)  Did you specify anything specific to them - like how much playtime or what specifically they were to do?

Thanks so much.  The focus group is Tuesday evening, so please response quickly if you can.

Hi wendy!

Well.. you kindof knew my situation...

I left Fujoe for about 16 days in Summer with someone else.
She was a friend through school...
I paid her by making her 2 dinners...
it was in their home..
I specified everything.. how much to feed.. to keep an eye on him, for him not to be free range (I don't think they listened to that part)



this past break.. for 10 days
It was my boyfriend's manager
I think that we are buying them dinner... I'm really not sure how payment will work
In their home.
I didn't really specify anything.. she's had bunnies before so I knew he was in good hands. I told her to give him a papaya tablet a day cause he was shedding.

I have used a petsitter twice. One was a good friend of mine who adores Sophie and the other was the vet.

1) How long you needed them for:
3 days and 1 week

2) How did you find them?
One is a close friend and the other was a service offered through my trusted vet

3) How much did you pay?
I paid $8 per day at the vet and with Lisa, I sent her a cookie bouquet and brought back some cool mementos from my trip.

4) Was it in your home or theirs?
Lisa watched Sophie at my house and then she stayed at the vet's office in a special area for small animals, aways from cats and dogs

5) Did you specify anything specific to them - like how much playtime or what specifically they were to do?
ooooh yes. I am an anal retentive mother. I printed out a small 5 page handbook with specific directions on food, litterbox changing, palytime, treats, toys and what to do if certain symptoms or behaviors started showing.

If you have used a pet-sitter (whether a neighbor or pro)

I've used neighbors for a quick overnighter or a couple of days, but on longer trips, I trade pet sitting with a friend who also has a bunny. 

1)  How long you needed them for:  Anywhere from a weekend to two weeks.

2)  How did you find them?  We are volunteers at the same rescue 

3)  How much did you pay? Traded sitting, but I do know that rescue groups board for an average of $18/day

4)  Was it in your home or theirs? They came to mine. But I have sat for a friend who brought theirs to my place.

5)  Did you specify anything specific to them - like how much playtime or what specifically they were to do?  Yes  -  I have a whole pet sitting sheet that I made available to pet sitters and people who will be using petsitters   http://binkybunny.com/site/BUNNYINF...fault.aspx

Thanks to everyone who responded - I am printing out this thread and taking it with me to the meeting

UPDATE - I'm so glad I asked people - it was a room full of cat and dog people, with me and the one girl who has a corn snake as the two exotic folks.  We actually had a lot in common - I pointed out to them how much exotic pet owners depend on information we find online because there aren't often other people around that we can ask.  I think we got some good work done, and if they do decide to launch the pet-sitting division of sittercity.com I'll be sure to let everyone here know about it.

Hi Wendyzski!

  I am a rabbit mom of over 12 years that offers rabbit care in my home as I am outfitted for complete rabbit mayhem with an obstacle course, toy box of toys, and houses galore. If there is ever a time when you will need care, let me know! I am right in Arlington Heights.

WELCOME VANNIBABE!   Wow, sounds like you have a great set-up. I'd love to see pics of  your obstacle course!  Fun!

It may be too late...but here goes:
Since I moved from Chgo to Philly (i.e. away from my family & friends), I have often used a pet sitter.

1) I have used a pet sitter from anywhere from a weekend to 8 days
2) I located both petsitters from petsitters national organization.
3) $30 a visit + $2 for each extra pet (I have 4 cats, 1 lizard, and Jessica the bunny). Often he does the lizard for free.
4) He has a key to my house and therefore he cares for everyone in my own home.
5) My previous pet sitter, as well as, my current pet sitter, all did free initial visits. During this initial visit, all had a standard questionnaire that included: feeding, cleaning (litter box &/or cage), play time & toys, my expectations, etc.

I would highly recommend the use of a pet sitter. I am a referral for my current pet sitter, he cares for dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, guniea pigs, snakes, and lizards. My bunny was his first. He keeps my home extra clean. My litterbox areas were spotless!!! Once he even let a maid service in and out to clean out the house for me. In Chgo., I never had to use one...so I learned alot since moving so far away.