Pet sitters are in demand as the pet population increases and pet owners have busier schedules. Pets are part of the family; as responsible and caring pet owners, we carefully screen the people we trust with the care of our pets while we are away.

As professional Pet Sitters we learn how to deal with different types of pets, their behaviors, and needs, but are you prepared to handle a medical emergency? How would you feel if you had to tell your customers that their loving companion was severely hurt, or worse, died while in your care? Inevitably, accidents happen all the time. Although dogs and cats are domesticated animals, they can get into fights, or their curiosity can lead them into trouble.

Professional child sitters throughout the United States are required to know infant and child first aid and CPR. Pets are just as much a part of the family as our children, and they deserve the most qualified care during our absence. Knowing what to do during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. We should give our pets as much first aid as possible during an emergency. In recent years, pet first aid has gained popularity among pet professionals of all types. The truth of it is, pet first aid should not be seen as a novelty. It can really make a difference on the outcome of a pet that was injured and received first aid on the way to the veterinarian.

If a person is injured, we can call for more advanced medical help. Since we do not have a 911 system for our pets, they depend on us-the owner, pet sitter, or pet professional-to be able to approach, restrain, stabilize and transport them to the veterinarian. You should have an emergency plan ready in case one of your pet guests becomes ill or is injured.

• Have available the phone number for the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and the Animal Poison Control Center, which is at 800-548-2423. (Note: there is a charge for their services.)
• Keep a fully equipped pet first aid kit and place the pet's records next to it, just in case you have to rush out.
• Keep a flat board (plastic, plywood, heavy cardboard, etc.) nearby that you can use as a stretcher in order to transport the injured animal. Make sure that whatever you use as a stretcher fits in a flat position in the back seat of your vehicle.

The above are only some of the things you can do to in order to better handle an emergency. Taking a course on pet first aid and CPR will give you the skills and the confidence you need to effectively provide first aid care to an injured pet until you can reach qualified veterinary care.

As professional Pet Sitters we should take pet sitting to a new level of service and make our clients feel that their pets are our priority. We should provide the peace of mind that allows them to leave town with no worries about their four-legged children.

-Marcia Abreu is a Pet Sitter and pet first aid instructor. She can be reached at C & P Educational Services. Telephone (305) 827-0089, Fax (305) 827-3444 or visit their website at www.petsfirstaid.com