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PetFam is the latest addition to Vancouver’s burgeoning sharing economy

Longtime entrepreneur Adrianna Hepper creates a pet sitting solution for herself and others in PetFam, a community sharing venture that safely connects trustworthy locals for Vancouver pet sitting exchange.

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Adrianna Hepper has cultivated a sharing community of pet lovers to take care of Meena when she's away. Photo courtesy Adrianna Hepper/PetFam.

According to stats published in 2014, 7.5 million households in Canada are home to roughly 5.9 million dogs and 7.9 million cats.

Additionally, in a recent Reddit survey, nearly 70% of 209 pet owners shared that they call on friends and family for pet sitting.

Ironically, the stomach-churning imposition felt when having to ask the same people if they can sit – again – was listed as a top stressor, nearly equal to concerns about possibility of neglect.

Survey feedback also revealed many pet owners opt not to vacation or accept job opportunities involving longer work hours simply because… what about the pets?

With travel just around the corner for the 2016 winter holiday season, pet owners are more challenged than ever to find cat or dog sitting for their precious babies while away.

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