Pet owners experience the love and companionship their furry friends provide. However, there are times when we have to leave them behind for trips or vacations. Fortunately, “pet sitters” can take care of them while we’re away, ensuring they remain happy and healthy. Pet sitters look after pets in the pets’ own home, feeding them, exercising them and giving them company. Additionally, pet sitters may also give the pets medicine and clean up after them.
Pet sitters play such an important role in guaranteeing the well-being of beloved pets. For one thing, pets tend to be more content and less anxious in surroundings they’ve gotten used to. For another, hiring a pet sitter helps maintain the pets’ regular feeding and exercise routines, while also reducing their chances of getting sick.
Becoming a pet sitter could be an excellent option for those who are passionate about animals and already own pets themselves. However, relevant background knowledge and skills are still vital. While there are no specific certification requirements for pet sitters, some agencies offer training and courses, such as animal CPR and animal first aid.
Photo courtesy of Freepik / 照片：Freepik提供
As the number of pet owners grows, so does the demand for skilled pet sitters. As long as people continue to cherish their furry friends, pet sitting will continue to be a viable career option.
寵物主人會體驗到他們毛茸茸的朋友所提供的愛與陪伴。然而，有時候我們不得不因為旅行或度假而將牠們留在家裡。幸運的是，「寵物保母」可以在我們不在時照顧牠們，確保牠們保持快樂和健康。寵物保母在寵物自己的家中照顧寵物，餵食牠們、讓牠們運動以及陪伴牠們。此外，寵物保母還可以給寵物吃藥和清理牠們弄髒的地方。
寵物保母在確保心愛寵物的幸福健康方面扮演著非常重要的角色。一方面，寵物在熟悉的環境中通常會更滿足且不那麼焦慮。另一方面，僱用寵物保母有助於維持寵物的規律餵食和運動習慣，同時也減少了牠們生病的機會。
對於那些熱愛動物並已經擁有寵物的人來說，成為一名寵物保母可能是一個很好的選擇。然而，相關的背景知識和技能仍然至關重要。雖然寵物保母沒有特定的證照要求，但有些機構提供培訓和課程，如動物心肺復甦術和動物急救。
隨著寵物主人數量的增加，對於熟練寵物保母的需求也在增加。只要人們繼續珍惜他們毛茸茸的朋友，寵物保母會繼續成為一個可行的職業選擇。
MORE INFORMATION
companionship n. 情誼；友誼
furry adj. 毛茸茸的
well-being n. 幸福；安康
certification n. 認證；證書
CPR n. 心肺復甦術
viable adj. 可行的；可存活的
KEY VOCABULARY
1. career n. 職業（生涯）；事業
After a 20-year career in teaching, Martha decided to move on and try something new.
經歷20年的教書生涯後，瑪莎決定要換工作並嘗試新事物。
2. remain vi. 保持；遺留
The bus driver requested passengers to remain seated until the bus came to a complete stop.
公車司機請乘客在公車完全停下前保持坐著。
3. guarantee vt. 保證；擔保
The seller guarantees that the item will be delivered within three business days.
賣家保證這項貨品會在三個工作天內送達。
4. surroundings n. 環境（恆用複數）
The park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy beautiful natural surroundings.
這個公園是放鬆和享受美麗自然環境的理想場所。
5. vital adj. 至關重要的；不可或缺的
Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good physical and mental health.
規律的運動對於維持良好的身心健康至關重要。
6. agency n. 代理機構；政府機構
The social services agency provides support for low-income families.
該社會服務機構為低收入戶提供援助。
7. cherish vt. 珍惜；懷念
Karen and I cherish our friendship and stay in touch even after moving to different cities.
凱倫和我珍惜彼此的友誼，即便搬遷至不同城市後仍保持聯繫。
學習音檔: https://magazine.english4u.net/Magdata/menu/vvppq
《空中美語》雜誌APP免費下載: https://www.english4u.net/apps/index.aspx
免費收聽當月《空中美語》雜誌課文朗讀及解析 !
文章由AMC空中美語授權使用: https://www.english4u.net
A: When is the Lantern Festival? B: The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, which fell on Feb. 12 this year. A: Oh no! Did I miss the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival? B: Yes, you did. But you can still go to the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan, which will run until this Sunday. A: Let’s go admire the exuberant lanterns. A: 元宵節到底是哪一天？ B: 就是農曆1月15日啊，今年則落在國曆2月12日。 A: 喔不，我是不是錯過了2025台北燈節？ B: 是的，但你還可以去桃園的2025台灣燈會，活動將持續至週日。 A: 那我們去欣賞豐富的花燈秀吧！ （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
A: What’s the theme of the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival’s main lantern? B: The theme is “Paradise,” and the main lantern is a snake-shaped “infinity” symbol that features a lighting show every half an hour. A: Cool, I heard that there are over 300 lanterns. B: There are even giant lanterns in the shape of Pikachu and some other popular Pokemon characters. A: Let’s go now. A: 2025台灣燈會主燈的主題是什麼？ B: 主題是「無限樂園」！主燈的造型則是蛇形的數學「無限號」，主燈每半小時還有一次燈光秀。 A: 酷喔，聽說總共有300多件花燈作品。 B: 甚至還有皮卡丘和其他熱門寶可夢角色的巨型花燈呢。 A: 哇我們現在就出發吧！ （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
本文由生成式AI協作，本刊編輯編修。 Tucked away in southwestern Taiwan, Yunlin County is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, rich history, and natural beauty. From its stunning temples and glove puppetry to historical architecture and picturesque landscapes, Yunlin rewards those who venture off the beaten path. Yunlin is renowned for its flourishing temple culture. Temples in this region are not merely places of worship but also communal centers where people gather for festivals, rituals, and social functions. One of the most notable temples here is the Beigang Chaotian Temple, which was built more than 300 years ago and is dedicated to Matsu, the sea
Nestled within the heart of Taipei, National Taiwan University (NTU) contains a grand and spacious sanctuary where nature and academia come together in perfect accord. Across its expansive 111-hectare campus, NTU reveals a landscape rich with history, lush greenery, and a thoughtfully preserved ecosystem. This tranquil haven invites visitors to take their time wandering among the elegant buildings, to admire the rare plants, and to experience a space that exudes quiet inspiration. Zhoushan Road: A Gentle Prelude to NTU’s Tranquility Beginning at Gongguan MRT Station, the enchanting avenue Zhoushan Road leads visitors into NTU shaded by golden rain trees, cottonwoods, and Javanese
RSS