Leaving town for extended periods of time is stressful enough, but leaving behind a pet (dog, cat bird, fish, rabbit, you name it!) can cause even more distress. Perhaps pet sitting may be the best option for you and your pet!
If your pet is anything like my yellow lab named Riley, they cringe at the sight of your local vet and the memories of the cages they’ve spent time in. After a couple vacations spent at the vet’s office, I knew Riley was fed up. I promised her that the next time I left I would get her a pet sitter and allow her to stay at home. Now when I leave she is happier and far less distressed. She got to remain in an environment that was familiar to her and maintain her daily routine and diet.
Why hire a pet sitter?
Yes, the rumors are true. Pet sitting can be slightly more expensive than a typical kennel. But often times, the negative aspects of a kennel can outweigh the price constraints.
Pet sitters are beneficial in the following areas:
-Your pet gets to remain in a familiar environment. It causes the animal to feel less stressed and they are more likely to stick to their daily routine and normal diet.
-Your pet will likely receive more attention than they would in a typical kennel scenario
-They will feel relieved to not have to travel to unfamiliar locations
In return, you’ll be able to rest easy at night knowing your pet has been played with, fed, and safe. You can also easily get in touch with your particular pet sitter whereas it may be more difficult to contact a kennel and get in touch with someone who has worked with your specific animal.
Helpful sites and tools
The following sites and tools will provide you with an easy way to find reliable pet sitters in your area. If possible, an in person interview with a potential pet sitter is best so you can have a good idea of how you pet interacts with them. They are going to be buddies for the next few days, weeks, or months!
- http://www.petsitters.org/
- http://www.petsit.com/
- Local Yellow Pages
- Word of mouth from neighborhood friends and family
Once you find a pet sitter and you are sure they are well trained with your type of animal and have commercial liability insurance (to cover any accidents that may occur), be sure to cover in person and on paper exactly what your expectations are with your pet while you’re away.
No one likes to leave behind their beloved pets, but when the time comes and you can’t take them with you, I hope you successfully find someone to care for and love your pet as much as you do while you’re away!
