The Pet Industry is thriving and now Britain's pet owners are breathing a huge sigh of relief. No more wrestling Kitty into her cat box or marching Rover into an alien environment, where he may be exposed to contagious diseases, sickness or parasites. Granny would also be safe from the constant trips to empty the litter tray and water the roses, and the neighbours wouldn't need to hide from the annual doorbell when next doors suitcases appeared down the drive!

For committed animal lover Nina Cole, this service is long overdue. Recovering from a brain hemorrhage in 1997, she decided to realise her dream of working with animals, and with her husband Doug Cole, who has multiple sclerosis,  they set up their family pet sitting service, called 'Nina's Nannies for Pets'.  It affords your pet the opportunity to continue their regular routine and eating habits, and owners can enjoy their annual sabbatical, in the knowledge that their home is being lived in, plants watered, and gardens tended whilst they are away. 

Nina said that their team of committed animal lovers, regularly meet up for their annual Christmas party, often with hilarious results.  We often swap stories, and one of our couples told of their time in which they shared their bed with a St Bernard!  It proved extremely uncomfortable she laughed, and I understand that the dogs bedside manner left a lot to be desired.  However, the clients requirements have to be fulfilled, and if their dogs are used to sleeping with the owners, we must oblige, but of course any sitters averse to sharing their bedrooms, are not selected for those assignments.

The success of Nina and Doug's Hertfordshire based service, has seen rapid expansion over the years and has now branched out into Europe. "People want the security of a lived in home while they are away", said Nina "and do not want to subject their pets to the stress of a kennel or cattery".

But what about the pet sitters themselves? It really is an opportunity not to be missed. The joy of meeting old friends and making new ones. On four legs and on two!  Exploring new areas of the country and experiencing a job satisfaction that some of us can only dream about. Indeed pet sitters will always concur that they would never do anything else!

True it is strictly a job for dedicated animal lovers.  When the phone rings at 10 pm on a Sunday evening and its poor Granny who has forgotten her hip operation and is being hospitalised the following day, now panicking about little Kitty sitting blissfully unaware in front of a roaring fire. Or Gertie the Guinea Pig, who has just been violently attacked by the Roger the Rabbit, who has happily shared her enclosure for the previous 2 years. Why have they chosen the first day of your sit to act out the Gunfight at the O.K. Coral?

On a serious note however, Nina would love to hear from anyone who may have an interest in joining her team.  The requirements are that you do need to be a non smoker, with your own transport and have experience of domestic pets.  It is particularly suited to couples who have no other work commitments, since you are only permitted three hours away from the clients property each day.  You must also be prepared to undergo a police background check.  For further information you can visit Nina's website www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk, email info@ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk  or telephone 01525 220732 for an application form.