Without a doubt a pet sitter should take care of your pet while you're away. The advantages of having a pet sitter far outweigh that of a kennel, especially if you and your pet know them well. Time away from home should be enjoyable if it is for work or relaxing and it will ease your mind knowing that your pet is in good hands.
Different pets require different sitters
The wide variety of pets can determine different kinds of pet sitters. For example if your pet is a fish he probably won't miss you when you leave and will only care about the food you feed him and his water kept clean. If you're talking a cat or a dog which is the most common pet that can be affected by you leaving, then it is your responsibility to make sure they go through the least amount of trauma possible. They will be lonely enough without you and don't need the added stress of being taken to a totally different environment while you're gone.
Choosing a pet sitter
The ideal pet sitter would be a family member or friend but if this is not possible then you will have to turn to a professional sitter but choose him/her well. Look for a personal reference if possible after all you are leaving your pet and your home to them and you need to know they are qualified. It should be made very clear that your pet sitter is there for the purpose of taking care of your pet. If you are not familiar with getting a sitter ask your vet and he can help you to find someone responsible.
Information for pet sitters
You will need to leave a number where you can be reached; your vet's number in case of emergencies and the pet sitter should know where your first aid kit is. Leave a list of your pet's routine so there won't be any mix ups while you're away especially if your pet is on any kind of medication. Make sure the pet sitter that you choose is introduced to your pet long before your departure so your pet will know the person.
Comfort of home
By choosing a sitter your pet can stay in an environment that he feels safe in. There will be no stress that would come from being transported to a kennel and adjusting to strange people and animals around him. Kennels may provide comfort but they can't provide all the comforts of home. They can snooze in their favorite chair and sleep in their own bed without distractions.
Safety in pet sitters
Another plus to having a pet sitter is you are protecting your pet from any disease that may be picked up by boarding him in a kennel. Regardless of how careful these kennels are things do happen and your pet is safer at home than walking around in a foreign environment. When you use a kennel you are also exposing your pet to unusual sounds day and night. Other animals are boarded there and not all of them are silent which can make the situation very traumatic for your pet.
More than a pet sitter
If you are going on vacation, business or an emergency your pet sitter can provide more than the care of your pet. The sitter will also provide the walks your pet expects on a daily bases. They can keep his feeding time the same which will lessen any anxiety that he may be feeling with you not around. The walks to the park can continue which keeps your pet happy. Your pet will be content knowing that someone is moving around your home as usual and the only thing they will be missing is you. It will also give you peace of mind knowing someone is in your home while you are away. Your mail will be collected on a daily bases and the lights will be on at night.
Pet sitters are the ideal solution for your pet while you're away. It gives them the comfort of knowing someone is in the house, their schedule is maintained and your mind is at ease. If you get a little worried just pick up the phone and call home. To help you're pet from loneliness while your gone drop that old sweat shirt on the floor before you leave, pets live by scent and this will comfort them while you're away. You don't have to wonder who should care for your pet while you're away, you already know!