Your pets are a valuable addition to your family, so when you need to go out of town for any reason, you want to make sure your furry family members are well-taken care of by hiring a reputable pet sitter.

Some pet sitters visit your home several times a day while you're gone to take care of daily tasks for your animal, while others stay in your house for the duration of your absence. Regardless of which option you choose, use these five tips from Vet Tech Pet Sitting to make your animals and pet sitter comfortable.

1. Vet Potential Pet Sitters

You don't want to entrust your pets to just anyone, so it is crucial to vet any potential pet sitters before you hire them. You can find pet sitters by asking people you know personally.

You can also find people who are advertising their services online or ask for recommendations from friends or family members.

Once you have a list of potential candidates, ask a veterinarian for recommendations and look up reviews. You should always schedule a meet-up before hiring a pet sitter to ensure he or she is comfortable with your animals.

2. Stock Your House With Supplies

When preparing for a pet sitter, it's essential to provide a variety of supplies to ensure your pet's comfort and safety.

Ensure there are adequate leashes and harnesses for walks, along with any specific walking gear tailored to your pet's needs.

Include a comprehensive list of emergency contact information, including your vet's number and local animal services, and ensure all pet care instructions are clearly written and accessible.

Additionally, leave an assortment of toys and comfort items, like their favorite blanket or bed, to help your pet feel secure and entertained in your absence. Also, give your pet sitter permission to watch TV and stock your fridge with some of his or her favorite snacks. The more relaxed your pet sitter is, the better care your animals will receive.

3. Show Your Pet Sitter How To Reduce Stress for Your Pet

One study by Green Element shows that more than 40% of pets have anxiety, and being separated from their owners is a stressful event for many pets. Regardless of how experienced your pet sitter is, you should leave detailed instructions on how to help your animal cope with stress. Tell them to look for signs of stress, like excessive itching or biting, or sudden mood changes.

Many pets deal with stress better when they stick to their normal routines regarding food and exercise. Ask your pet sitter to stick with a certain schedule while you are gone.

Many pets also need a lot of love, affection and attention while you are out of town, so ask your pet sitter to schedule some extra time to play with your animal. Finally, you may need to provide your pet with anxiety medication to help them cope until you return.

4. Give Specific Instructions

No one knows your pets better than you, so AKC Pet Insurance notes that you must leave detailed instructions on how to care for them.

Make sure your pet sitter knows feeding and exercise schedules, and he or she should also have a thorough understanding of how much to feed and how to disperse any necessary medications.

5. Choose Communication Details

Before you leave town, set communication rules with your pet sitter. Consider how frequently you want updates about your animals and the manner in which you prefer to receive them.

You may prefer to get daily text messages informing you of your pet's behavior, or you may just want weekly emails highlighting the basic details of your time away. Make sure that you and your pet sitter are on the same page in regard to communication so that everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Plan and Communicate for a Low Stress Vacation

Many pets feel stressed when their owners go out of town. Hiring a qualified pet sitter is a great way to make your animals more comfortable during your absence.