Although your pet may be part of the family, it is not always possible to take him or her with you when you travel. If there isn’t a family member staying at home to look after your pet while you are away, you may want to consider using a pet sitter or a kennel.
Once you have decided to leave your pet at home, you need to determine if you are going to put the pet in a kennel or get a pet sitter. There are
several factors that will effect this decision, including the age and health of the pet, how they react to strange situations, how adaptable your pet is and the cost.
Pets left at home are often happier and less stressed than those left at a kennel. Their routines are not interrupted and they will not be exposed unnecessarily to illnesses. Before
hiring a pet sitter you will want to make sure they are the right match for your pet. Face it some people are cat people while others are more comfortable with dogs.
Interview the pet sitter, preferably in person or by telephone and make sure that they are able to provide the services that you require. Ask how long they will spend with your pet, how often they will visit, what is included in the fee and how much will it cost. Ask for references and find out if the pet sitter is bonded. Call the references to determine if the pet sitter was reliable. If a pet sitter is reluctant to supply references you might want to consider finding a different pet sitter.
Ask the pet sitter to come to your home to meet your pet. This will help you determine if the sitter is a good match with your animal. You can learn a lot by just watching how your pet and the potential pet sitter interact.
Once you have selected a pet sitter, make a list of all the things he/she will need to know. How to contact you in case of emergency, the name and phone number of the veterinarian you use, any special medications or food your pet requires, the pets daily routines, favorite hiding places, unusual habits, where you keep the food, treats and other pet supplies – these are all things the pet sitter will need to know. The better
prepared you are the easier it will be for the pet sitter to do his/her job and the happier your pets will be.
The best way to find a pet sitter is by referral. Ask at your veterinarian’s office for referrals. They may have the names of two or three pet sitters that they can pass on to you. Ask friends, neighbors and family members if they have used a pet sitter and what their experience with the person was like. Most people are willing to give you the name of a pet sitter that they have used and been happy with. There is also a professional international pet sitter organization (
Pet Sitters International) that you can contact for more information or a referral in your area.
Leaving your pet at home while you are away doesn’t have to be a stressful time for you or your pet. By finding a reliable pet sitter to look after your pet in your own home, you can go away knowing that your pet is well cared for and will not be neglected while you are gone. Your pet will be happier staying in familiar surroundings while he pet sitter sees to his/her needs and you will have a much needed guilt free holiday.
how to choose a kennel:
http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/kennels.htm
http://www.abka.com/abka/findAFacility/Find_A_Facility.pdf
