It's time for a much-needed and well-deserved vacation. Perhaps you'd like to spend some time with just the human members of your family, or perhaps your pet doesn't travel well. Whatever the reason, you need to find someone to take care of your companions in your absence. So now what do you do?

Home Alone: The ideal situation would be for your pets to be able to stay in the environment that they are most comfortable in: your home. So think about these options when looking for a temporary caretaker.

Friends and family: A person your pets are familiar with is probably the best choice, especially if it is someone who can stay at your home while you are away. And if this person already knows some of your pet's personality quirks, even better. This solution isn't always easy to find, so be sure your friend or family member knows how much you appreciate her.

Professional pet sitter: To find a sitter, start by asking your veterinary clinic, since often assistants and technicians will pet-sit for clients. Also ask friends and local animal organizations for referrals. The yellow pages is another great source. You should meet the potential sitter and introduce her to your animals. Do not hesitate to check references. Although there are many responsible professional sitters, you need to keep in mind that this person will have access to your home.