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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.
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