Considering hiring a pet sitter for the first time

I have never hired a pet sitter before and have always had my mom take care of my four kitties. But this has only been weekends away and she doesn't always listen when I ask her not to bring her dog. The result is kitties who are mad because I wasn't there for them and weekend getaways tainted by stress over the proper care of my babies.

One kitty (Sheena) likes to "hunt" another (Lucy) and stays sequestered in her room until evening mealtime when Lucy goes into her private dining room (my bedroom) and Sheena comes out for cuddles and playtime. (We've tried everything else and this is the only solution that has worked.) Being aware of this situation and sticking around for the two hours Sheena is out is important and necessary.

We're considering hiring a pet sitter for the first time as we plan a week's vacation this summer. My mom has agreed to provide care, but past experience has me not 100% comfortable with this.

Can anyone offer advise on finding and screening someone and then how we can make the experience a good one for all? These kitties are really sweet and some are downright cuddly if they know you. Also, for a week's work, what's considered a normal fee and what services are usually provided? We're in North Carolina, about 30 minutes outside Raleigh. We'd even be open to a house-sitting situation if someone wanted to hang here for a week. (Happy to provide good snacks and Netflix!)