You’ve decided to take a vacation and travel, finally! Are you feeling a little stressed or apprehensive about pet-sitting? We completely understand.
If you’re like most pet parents, the hardest part of taking a vacation is finding a safe and secure option to house and care for your pets while you’re away. In fact, you might be wondering, “Where do I begin?” Your pet-sitting journey starts here!
We’ve included four options below:
One of the most well-known options for your pet is boarding in a kennel
The kennel environment varies greatly as far as comfort levels, price and level of luxuries that may be available. Many kennels offer an inexpensive, no frills environment where cages are lined up inside or outside and your pet remains in the kennel for most of his stay. However, there are many more luxurious options. Some kennels offer indoor, air-conditioned, high end suites for your pets. Really, the sky is the limit. If this sounds like an option for you, you MUST visit the facility ahead of time and not just depend on an online description or an over the phone interview. Go there and inspect the grounds, meet the people who will be caring for your pets and ask MANY questions.
Another option that you may consider is boarding your pet at a veterinary clinic
Many people don’t even realize that this option is available. While this option may not be the most luxurious, it may be a good option for you if your pet has health issues. The on-site health care options do bring a certain level of comfort to pet parents. While most veterinary clinics will offer a separate area to house your pets, keeping them away from the actual clinic area, this is not always the case. We suggest touring the environment that your pet will be in. Look to see how big the crates are, how many pets do they take on at once, and if they offer separate accommodations for dogs and cats. You may also want to find out how much exercise your pet will receive each day and if anyone will be monitoring your pet at night when the facility is closed.
A newer alternative is boarding your pet in a pet lover’s home
Instead of Fido staying at a boarding facility, he lives in the pet sitter’s home. Even though Fido will have to adjust to new environment, it’s less overwhelming than a boarding facility. For anxious animals, it might not be the best choice; however, it’s like going to camp for pets who love socialization. Fido will have the opportunity to live in pet-friendly home and have the opportunity to play with the owner’s furry friends.
Another option, in home pet-sitting, has become increasingly popular in recent years
This option affords your pet the opportunity to remain in the comfort of his own home while the family is away. For many dogs and cats, pet-sitting is the least stressful option. In choosing this option you really need to consider the benefits of choosing a reputable company, the neighbor kid or a hobby sitter. A licensed, bonded, and insured company will provide the highest level of safety and security for most families. If you do choose someone to come into your home, ask for references and ask a lot of questions!
Start with these questions
- How often will they come into your home?
- How long will they stay?
- Are all employees trained to handle a medical or other emergencies?
- What is the plan of action for handling emergencies?
- Have the employees go through a background check?
- Is there a written contract spelling out all of the details of the arrangement?
Choosing someone to care for your pets while you are away can be stressful but any important decision comes with a little bit of stress. Just be sure to do your homework and take the time to make a well-informed decision to minimize even more stress later on. Keep in mind how your dog behaves in unknown environments with and without you being present.
Feel free to contact Tailored Pet Services to help you make an informed decision about your pet’s care while you are away. We offer overnight pet-sitting services in your home or boarding with Antigone and her dog Russell for any pets who appreciate someone being around at least a few hours a day while you are on vacation. Good luck, connect with us on our Facebook channel and Bon Voyage!
Recent Comments