Where To Find Free Petsitters

We love our pets, but there’s no denying they’re a tie. If you want to go away, you have to find someone to mind them. In the case of Fido, he’ll need regular walks.

Ideally, you’ll twist the arm of a friend or neighbour, or bribe a young family member. But, if there’s really no one available, you’re faced with a big bill - £100 a week plus – for a cattery or kennels.

So it’s a welcome surprise to discover a new online service that can solve your pet-minding problems. Join www.petsitterswap.com and you’ll be put in touch with other pet owners in the same area for a one-off £9.99 fee.

Once you’ve found a fellow animal lover to look after your dog, cat, hamster or budgie, no more money changes hands. You can use the service for a full-blown holiday or for a straightforward evening out. But nothing’s for nothing - expect to pet-sit in return.

It’s important to vet pet-sitters personally, especially if you’re allowing them into your house to feed Tiddles. But some sitters will care for your animals in their own home – by far the best solution for a dog.

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