So what's
the deal with using a pet sitter anyway? Wouldn't it be easier
and cheaper just to take my pets to a boarding kennel?
This is
a very common question from people who have never used the
services of a pet sitter. Sure, it might be easier in some
ways, and it may even be cheaper, but my question in return
is always, "Do you want what's best for your pet? If
so, a pet sitter may be what you need." For the vast
majority of pets, staying in their own home while you're away
will prove to be the best choice of care for a variety of
reasons.
For some, boarding may very well be the most appropriate arrangement.
Perhaps your dog suffers from separation anxiety, is destructive
when left alone, or because of health reasons might need to
be supervised more closely. If any of these scenarios are
the case, your pet may do better with the interaction and
stimulation he might experience at a boarding facility. For
many others though, being able to remain in their own home
is the ideal situation. In a kennel, the surroundings are
unfamiliar, filled with new sounds to become accustomed to,
new smells to contend with, and new people to get used to.
Being away from his people for an extended period of time
is a lot for him to handle, and can be quite stressful. Staying
in his own home avoids these issues and he can take comfort
in the fact that he's surrounded by the things he knows; the
sights, sounds, smells, and things that he has shared with
his human friends.
For
the vast majority of pets, staying in their own home while
you're away will prove to be the best choice of care for
a variety of reasons.
There are other benefits for the pet as well as the pet owner
when the services of a professional pet sitter are used. Having
someone competent come to your home on regularly scheduled visits
will ensure your pet's routine is more closely adhered to than
if he were boarded. This may mean that his feeding time is kept
at the same time each day, and that he eats the same food he's
accustomed to. It may also mean that his walk and or play time
happens at the same time and in the same manner even though
you aren't available. And although most boarding facilities
do their best to avoid boarding pets who are ill, sometimes
it's unavoidable. Remaining in your home will ensure your pet
is not exposed to illness. An additional benefit is that your
pet sitter will be able to give your pet individual attention,
which isn't always possible when boarding.
Aside
from the care your pet gets, most pet sitters provide other
services to ensure the safety of your home while you're away.
They will bring in your mail, turn lights off and on, open
and close window coverings, take the trash out, and other
chores to make your home look lived in. If anything out of
the ordinary happens, your pet sitter can contact you or previously
named family or friends. With your home being looked in on
at regular intervals, if anything is amiss, it can be handled
promptly rather than having to wait until your return.
When you
use the services of a professional pet sitter, you won't have
to rely on friends or family and you'll know your pet will
be secure in his own home, and ready to greet you when you
return home.
Future
columns will cover the benefits of using dog walkers and dog
daycares.
Max
is a petite 7 year old kitty from Westminster,
CO. Her favorite activities are sleeping on the
bed and eating! She lives with her human companion,
Ryan.
Dear
Site Hound:
Do you know of a website that has good recipes for
dog biscuits?
Cooper - Boulder, Colorado
Dear
Cooper,
You don't say whether or not you have a dog, but
I'm going to assume you do and that you aren't
making these for yourself! If I'm wrong, and you
want to make dog biscuits for your own consumption,
please seek professional help immediately!
Whoever
you're cooking for though, you'll find a site
full of recipes for dogs on Doggie Connections
Recipe Page. This site is a literal fido smorgasbord
where you'll find mouth-watering recipes, complete
with nutritional info for the health conscious
canine. Some of their recipes are for Bow Wow
Burritos, Liver Brownies, and my favorite, Snickerpoodles.
For special occasions you can whip up a tasty
Pet Party Mix or Chicken Garlic Birthday Cake.
All of these tasty treats can be made in your
own kitchen ingredients from your grocery store.
Although many of these recipes will sound pretty
darned tasty, please remember…they're tailored
to your barking buddies. Bone Appetite!
Ask
your pet care professional if he or she is insured.
While insurance won't prevent any mishaps, it
does protect you if something unexpected should
happen. Your pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare
provider should be able to show you proof of insurance.
If they have employees you may also want to find
out if they are bonded.
Dear
PetsitUSA.com,
I'm
not writing about any certain pet sitter, but I wanted
to just write and say that I have used both pet sitters
and dog walkers in the past and have been really, really
pleased! My dogs, cats, and bird have been able to stay
at home when I travel and they all seem to be a lot
happier when I come home. And it's a lot easier on me
to know they're at home safe! I just moved to a new
city and will be interviewing a few people I found on
your site!
- Anita, CA
Do you have a great pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare
you'd like to brag about? Contact
us.
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you have a great pet story?
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got a great story about your pet that you'd like to share, we'd like
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Do you have a great pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare
you'd like to brag about?