The Pet Industry is thriving. The idea travelled from the United States 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 appear down the drive!

For committed animal lovers, this service is long overdue. It affords your pet the opportunity to continue their regular routine and eating habits, owners can enjoy their annual sabbatical in the knowledge that their home is being lived in, plants are being watered and gardens tended whilst they are away.

But what about the pet sitters themselves? For us it is an opportunity not to be missed. The joy of meeting old friends and making new ones. On four legs and on two! Leaving for work each day 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, but let us also remember, that this work does not stop on a Friday evening, to be returned to on Monday morning. There are no rest breaks to replenish their batteries! When the phone rings at 10 p.m. 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.

Oh and don't forget Gertie the Guinea Pig, who has just been violently attacked by Roger the Rabbit, who has happily shared her enclosure for the previous 2 years. Why have they chosen the first day of their sit to act out the Gunfight at the O.K. Coral?

As if the flood in Mrs Smith's kitchen last week wasn't bad enough and the broken pump in Mr Brown's pond, which left 2 prize Koi Carp floundering in a couple of inches of water!

Yes pet sitters are well used to the prank calls, asking if we could care for a one eyed, incontinent anaconda, or a disabled Dachshund with a walking stick, but they have learned to take these in their stride.

The pet sitting industry continues to boom and pet sitters which largely comprise of retired professionals, who still want the pleasure of a pet without the responsibility, will continue to whistle as we work, knowing that they really wouldn't be anywhere else in the world and that the holiday they were planning to take, well, that will have to wait yet another year!

Nina Cole from Nina’s Nannies for Pets Ltd are currently recruiting for retired professionals to stay within clients homes, caring for their pets and property while they are away. Non smokers, with their own transport, and at least ten years experience of domestic pets, can contact Nina via her website www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk or alternative, telephone 08450 531152 for further information.