My name is Tracy Edwards, and I am the owner of Wags and Purrs Pet Sitting. I have been an animal lover my entire life. Six cats currently own me. They are my children, and mean the world to me.

The idea of starting a pet sitting business came to me when a friend tried to find a pet sitter for his dog at the last minute, and all the sitters he left messages with never called him back. I realized there is a real need for this service, and it dawned on me that I could do something I love, and actually make a living at it. Wags and Purrs Pet Sitting was then born.

I have recently had to make some changes in my business due to time constraints from other work that I do and having a large number of clients.  I am not available for daily walks, and do not accept dog clients anymore.  I have also cut back my service area to Telford and Souderton.  I am part of a network of local sitters, and can refer you to someone if you have dogs or are out of my area.

"Recently I had the pleasure of hiring Tracy Edwards, Wags and Purrs Pet Sitting, to care for my cats, birds, and tarantula (yes, tarantula), while my husband and myself were on vacation. From Tracy's initial visit, I found her to be very professional and thorough. Tracy carefully noted the care requirements for my pets, and home (as needed), and made certain she understood all that was expected and needed. I left for vacation feeling very comfortable about the attention my pets would receive. Upon our return, there was a daily report from Tracy about our pets and her experience with them. (By the way - tarantulas are not Tracy's favorite, but Raslin had been fed as requested. Bravo Tracy!) The report further reinforced the care I knew my pets would receive.

Over the last two years, I've enjoyed a working relationship with Tracy as a fellow volunteer with Stray Cat Blues, Inc., a non-profit organization involved in the rescue and placement of stray and abandoned cats. Tracy has exhibited a passion and love for the rescue and care of these cats. It is because of this love and care for animals that I would highly recommend Tracy as a pet sitter, and I would not hesitate to call upon her again to care for my pets - the four-legged ones, the two-legged ones, and the eight-legged ones." - Diana U.

What to look for in a Pet Sitter:

• Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by her employees)?
• What training has the pet sitter received?
• Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?
• Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees?
• How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home?
• Will the pet sitter provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how she interacts with your pet-does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. That way, you can work out any problems before leaving your beloved pet in the pet sitter's care for longer periods.

How can I help the pet sitter and my pet?

Of course, even the most trustworthy, experienced pet sitter will have trouble if you haven't also kept your end of the bargain. Here are your responsibilities:

• Make reservations with your pet sitter early, especially during holidays.
• Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him.
• Affix current identification tags to your pet's collar.
• Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.
• Leave clear instructions detailing specific pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.
• Leave pet food and supplies in one place.
• Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.
• Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers. Be sure those extra keys work before giving them out.
• Show the pet sitter your home's important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.
• Finally, have a safe and fun trip. And remember to bring your pet sitter's phone number in case your plans change-or you just want to find out how Fluffy and Fido are doing.