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| Pet Sitter | 79% | 754 votes | Total: 953 votes | |
| Kennel | 21% | 199 votes |
Pet Sitter
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Add to FavoritesEver since I was a little girl I've had a fondness for animals. Large or small, furry or scaly, I love them all. So when my next door neighbor asked me to watch her dog while she was away, I was in 13 year old heaven. That lead to a few more dog watching jobs, and by the time I was old enough for a real job, I already had a position waiting for me at the local vet. From there I moved onto a job at the humane society, as well as a part-time job at kennel that did boarding, training and grooming, and was owned by a Basenji breeder. On the side, I was still animal sitting for several people. I say animal sitting, because I have taken care of horses, donkeys, parrots, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, snakes, iguanas, you name it, I've probably pet-sat it.
Coming from someone who has worked the gamut of jobs in the animal care industry, I could very easily argue both sides of the pet sitter/boarding kennel debate. However, I would like to give you my honest opinion, and my own choices if ever I was to go somewhere without my animals.
When boarding your pet at a kennel, there are many pluses. Some kennels are at a veterinary hospital, or have a vet on call for emergencies. You can also check their references or get a referral from your own vet on which kennel would be the best. Some kennels offer playtimes or playmates for your pet, or training classes for the unruly pet. You know your pet will be safe and sound in a protected area, and that they will get the right amount of food, and be allowed to do their business at most any time of the day. You may even be able to schedule a grooming session before your return so your pet will come back to you fresh and clean and looking wonderful.
There are however, many minuses too. A kennel only has so many employees and the number of animals they care for on a daily basis almost always outnumbers the staff. If you are boarding your animal during a holiday or vacation week, there is a good chance that there will be lots of others doing the same thing. This leaves very little time for personal interaction between the staff and the animals. Not to say that most places try their best to make your pet as comfortable and happy as possible, but truly, would you be happy and comfortable in a new place not knowing how long or even why you are there?
A pet sitter often times comes to your home for an initial interview. You can see how they react with your pet, and how your pet reacts to them. Most people in the pet sitting business do it because they truly do enjoy animals. You can interview several different pet sitters until you find the one you and your pet are the most comfortable with. During the interview you can discuss feedings and medications, walking schedules, or any character traits or quirks your pet may have.
Once you select a pet sitter you can be comfortable knowing that your pet will get the one on one attention in their own home, almost as if you were still there. It's less frightening to a pet to stay in their own home, even with someone they don't know that well, because they know this is home and eventually you will return! You have to return, they know you would never leave for good without your fuzzy slippers!
You should always leave a number that your pet sitter can reach you at in case of emergency, as well as your vets number. It's also good to call your vet and let them know that you will be away and give them the name of your pet sitter so they will know this person has the right to medicate or admit your pet in case of emergency. Who knows, your vet may already know and trust the sitter, or may have even referred you to them! A written or typed set of instructions are also a good thing to have on hand.
Some people may balk at the idea of having a stranger in your home while you are away. You must weigh the pros and cons of this in your own mind and decide if your pets happiness is more important to you than worrying about if this new person will remember to shut the lights of or lock the door. I find that once I have pet sat for a person a few times they think less of me as a stranger and more of an old friend or extended family member. I am certain that the pets think of me as a good friend because they always seem so excited when I walk in the door! Your going on vacation becomes less stressful for them because when you do it means their new friend is coming over and they can play and have treats and lots of fun times are ahead.
If you are worried that your pet sitter may not be available when you need them, don't fret. Most pet sitters know a friend or family member who is willing to help them out in times of need, and you can usually meet with them also so you know your pet will be in good hands. I personally have my boyfriend and his mother who pet sit.
We meet all the clients together, and whomeever the pet and the client is most comfortable with, becomes the primary sitter. This also sets the clients mind at ease because all 3 of us work different shifts, and so one or the other of us is always available. This means that I may be your pet sitter, but if your cat needs his pills at 5pm, Tami is available to come give him his pill. Your dog has to be walked at 7am every morning? Brandon is more than willing to come walk the dog at that time. This ensures that your pets will get the best care possible while you are away.
Still unsure that a pet sitter is for you? Think about this, most boarding kennels charge between 45 and 60 dollars a night per animal. Most pet sitters charge a flat rate, per night or week, with minimal extras for multiple pets(I charge extra for large animals like cows, horses etc. but a 30 dollar a night flat rate, way below local kennel prices for anything else). This saves you money. You also don't have to work your schedule around when they are open for drop off and pick up. Just let the sitter know when you plan on leaving and they will plan their schedules accordingly. Not to mention they are usually willing to bring the mail or papers in for you, put the garbage out on the right day, and your house isn't sitting empty for any long period of time. How much easier could it be?
So next time you start planning your vacation, look into a pet sitter. Your pet will be much happier and I think you will be too.
Learn more about this author, Jenna Obney.
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Kennel
PLANNING FOR PETS
Got travel plans? What about your dog, cat, bird, rodent or other pet? Will your pets travel with you, or must you leave them behind? If they cannot go along, what quality arrangements can you make for their care?
Actually, travelers today have multiple options.
TAKE YOUR PET ALONG.
Many individuals and families do decide to pack up their pets and take them on trips. If you are loading up the family vehicle for a road trip to a pet-friendly destination, then this may be a reasonable choice.
However, if you are heading for a fancy resort or a business destination, you may have to leave your pooch, pussycat or parrot at home.
Airports, trains and even buses are able to accommodate domesticated animals (for additional fees), but travelers must weigh the costs and benefits carefully.
How long will the trip take? Under what climatic conditions will your pet be traveling? Can you keep your animal in a pet carrier in your own possessions for the duration of the journey, or will he be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft or vehicle?
Once you arrive at your destination, will you have sufficient leisure time to care for and interact with your animal? If not, you may choose to leave him behind while you travel.
TAKE YOUR PET TO A KENNEL.
Kennels vary dramatically. Some facilities offer top-notch animal care. Others are abysmal. Be sure to plan ahead. Visit several local kennels in person, and request tours. Meet the managers and employees. Find out what special services they offer. Customized feeding plans, exercise programs and even housing options may be negotiated for varying rates.
Pet boarding companies provide kenneling services at a range of costs. Average fees may range from $10 to $100 a day, depending on the sort of animal you have and the options he needs. For example, a caged hamster or guinea pig may be boarded quite cheaply. However, a large dog may cost a lot more to kennel, particularly if he requires a larger compartment. Some kennels offer both economy and luxury accommodations. Believe it or not, theme suites may even be available!
Examine the facilities closely. Are animals kept in individual rooms, runs or cages? How much space does each pet have to occupy? When are the facilities cleaned? How often are animals fed and exercised? Are animals released to play together or individually?
If you choose to board your pet while you travel, be advised that you will have to provide proof of your animal's health and all required immunization records. Refuse to board your pet at any facility that does not ask for these. (Who knows what the other tenants may be carrying in such a place?)
Make your kennel reservations at least two weeks before you plan to leave, and even earlier during peak vacation or holiday seasons. When you call, why not request a pet grooming appointment for your return date, if such services are offered? Wouldn't it be lovely to return home to a freshly bathed pet?
We learned this lesson firsthand, after bringing home a cagey-smelling long-haired dog after one extended trip. From now on, if we board an animal, we have him groomed and flea-dipped before pickup!
HIRE A PET SITTER.
If you have a shy pet, who is terrorized by noises and other animals, or if you simply prefer to leave him in his own element, you might choose to hire an in-home pet sitter. Using a key or security combination that you provide, these folks enter your dwelling while you are gone to care for your animal.
Of course, an animal's presence in the home can certainly provide an excellent deterrent to would-be burglars!
For security purposes, pet sitters should be carefully screened. Ask for several references, and call each one to ask about the pet sitter's reliability and dependability.
At least several weeks before you plan to leave, you will want to interview several potential pet sitters. Ideally, you will have received their names from people you trust, such as neighbors, your veterinarian or you pet groomer. Ask your best candidate to meet with you in your home, so that you can outline what you will require. This will also give your pet sitter a chance to meet your pet and establish his trust, while you are still present.
Walk your pet sitter quickly through your daily routines for walking or exercising, feeding, watering and cleaning up after your animal. Show him or her where to find all needed supplies, including clean-up supplies, just in case.
Clearly explain your expectations. Some pet sitters are willing to water plants, turn household and outside lights on and off, bring in mail and newspapers and do other assorted tasks while you are away.
Skilled and dependable pet sitters are to be prized. If you find a pet professional who provides excellent care for your pet, while offering the additional home security of a daily presence, you will know the value.
Generally, pet sitter services cost a bit more than kenneling. Most of these professionals charge $15 to $20 per visit, with two or three stop-ins per day.
We have employed pet sitters many times. Often, this has been a wonderful convenience for our family. However, on those occasions when we have returned to muddy paw prints all over the house or rearranged jewelry boxes, we have had some second thoughts about our pet sitters.
CHOOSE A NEIGHBORHOOD KID.
Many people do commission a preteen or teen, often a friend's child, to watch their pets while they travel. If this youngster is particularly dependable, then this may be a viable option. Often, a young adult will pet-sit for about $10 per visit.
However, such a relationship often is not enduring. And, if this younger pet sitter is not reliable, the relationship may not be endearing either! In far too many cases, either the animal is overlooked, or the youth's parents end up shouldering much of the responsibility for your pet's care.
Of course, we have also heard of instances in which young people actually held social gatherings in clients' homes, while caring for their pets. Can anyone say, "Liability"?
In the long run, animal owners are wise to establish a more permanent and professional plan for the care of their beloved pets.
Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
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