Caption This! (AP Photo/Purina)
Cathy Taibbi of Norcross has a houseguest named Piper, a playmate for her three dogs, and some extra money in her pocket. Taibbi is a registered Dog sitter on DogVacay.com, a new online community that's rapidly expanding across the country. "I am online with a profile and pictures of my house and my dogs. People who are going on vacation and need their dog babysat will contact me and arrange a meet and greet", she explained. Her current houseguest, Piper, is a labrador mix.
DogVacay.com was founded by Karina Nissim Hirschkorn and her husband in Santa Monica, California last year. They screen members, provide insurance and a money back guarantee in exchange for a percentage of the dog sitting fee.
Dog sitters can set whatever rate they like. Around Atlanta listings start at $15 per day.
The service has grown rapidly in just a few months, and has more than 200 metro Atlanta listings.
Watch Ways to Save Pet Care week this week to learn affordble veterinary, care, food and flea and tick medications.