House, pet sitter deals in trust

Most pets are happiest when they’re at home. And most pet owners are happiest for their pets when they’re away — when their pets are at home. That’s one of the many reasons the home and pet sitting industry is growing, especially in the Valley.

One example of this successfully expanding enterprise is Scottsdale-based Bella’s House & Pet Sitting, a relatively new company owned by 24-year-old Arizona State University grad Danielle Vasta.

Vasta started pet and housesitting as a hobby, mostly for friends and neighbors in north Scottsdale who needed a favor. After a while, she decided to join the nonprofit National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and start her own pet and housesitting business.

That was three years ago when her clients numbered four and she charged $25 for an overnight stay while the owners were away.

Today, her fee is $105 for a 10- to 12-hour stay, plus one daytime visit. There is a $4 charge for each additional pet.

Her list of clients has increased to more than 200 — mostly dogs but a few other pets such as potbellied pigs, horses, lizards, fish, turtles and bunnies — and she has hired three employees who pet and housesit when she can’t.

Like many of the dozens of other East Valley NAPPS members and nonmembers, Vasta foresees her business expanding beyond its geographical limits in north Scottsdale to possibly throughout the East Valley — and beyond. She also sees herself hiring more employees.

“There are a lot of pet and housesitters in the East Valley, but in order to be financially successful you have to have what I call a business mind,” said Vasta, who earned her ASU degree in human communications.

“And, you have to love your job and gain your clients’ confidence.”

The Valley reflects the national pet population image, according to Felicia Lembesis, executive director of the Mount Laurel, New Jerseybased NAPPS.

“More than sixty percent of all households in the United States have some kind of pet,” said Lembesis, who directs the 10-year-old association located just outside Philadelphia.

“There are an estimated 110 million cats and dogs alone. Arizona, and the greater Phoenix area, is not much different.”

The executive director said there are about 30 NAPPS members in the East Valley, including Vasta, who recently received the association’s 2007 Pet Sitting Business of the Year Award.

She also received an award for volunteer service for NAPPS, Members In Action.

“Pets are like people,” Lembesis said. “They get sad and lonely when they’re left alone.”

Pet sitters who are members of NAPPS, like Vasta, are insured for upward of $1 million and carry a $5,000 bond. The insurance covers potential damage to the pet owner’s home and the bond protects against theft as well as gives the client a greater sense of security.

Vasta, like other members of NAPPS, is certified by the American Red Cross for pet first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for pets.

Without pet and housesitters, travelers with pets must either rely on neighbors, family or friends, take their pets with them or place them in kennels until they return.

“My business is based on trust — and a love for pets,” Vasta said. “My clients not only want to make sure their pets are fed, petted and loved, but they need their mail and newspapers brought in and, if there’s an emergency, they want to have somebody in charge who knows what to do and who to call.”

Potential clients are asked to provide information such as home security code numbers, when plants need watering, a signed authorization to hand over house keys, emergency contact numbers, and authorization for veterinarian service.

Basic services include removing trash, turning on and off lights, checking security alarms and taking the pet to the veterinarian if necessary. Dog walking is always a welcomed activity — for pets and pet sitters.

Pets continue to be fashionable, thus the growing interest in the industry. For example, Paris Hilton and her purse-carried tiny dog, Tinkerbell, are among the latest in pop culturesques. A growing number of pet boutiques, grooming and pet shops also are sprouting up in the Valley and nation.

Pet care is a $40 billion industry, according to NAPPS.

“It’s really not work,” Vasta said. “I love it.”

Prepare pet and sitter

• Before you leave, clean out food that may spoil from your refrigerator. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

• Leave some piece of clothing that you have recently worn near where your pet sleeps to “remind” him or her of you. Also, have your veterinarian’s phone number handy.

• Put away bikes, outdoor toys and lawn furniture as they can be easily stolen.

• Provide a timer light in the house so the sitter won’t have to walk into a dark house.

• Inform neighbors who may be looking out for your property that a pet sitter will be making visits to your home. SOURCE: National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Tips for finding house and pet sitters

• Is the sitter bonded and does he or she have liability insurance? Ask for documented proof and check references.

• Give your sitter information about your pet’s routines — eating, sleeping, walking or playing. Tell about your pet’s major and minor health problems, including information about medication.

• Tell your sitter where your pet’s favorite toys are hidden — and your pet’s favorite hiding places. This will prevent panic by the sitter looking for your pet.

• Provide ID tags on all pets, including cats. SOURCE: National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Danielle Vasta

Age: 24

Family: Single; parents Bob and Jeanette Vasta; brother, Michael, 20

Home: Scottsdale

Occupation: Founder and owner of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting Company

Key achievements: Started a pet and house sitting company in 2005 with four clients and today has more than 200, mostly in north Scottsdale. Named 2007 National Pet Sitting Business of the Year by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)

Philosophy for success: “Be humble. Listen to others. Keep an open mind. Know who you are and your goals are in life. Design your own business plan. Be passionate.”

Information: (480) 330-4552 or www.BellasHouseAndPets.com; or, the NAPPS at www.petsitters.org