Upon exploring options for pet care when you travel, the two top choices are boarding or a pet sitter.
Let’s consider boarding.
PROS
- Price—Base care for one or two dogs may be less expensive than pet sitting. Most kennels require you to pay extra for longer playtime, larger kennels, walks and medications.
- Socialization with other dogs—Your dog may spend time playing with other dogs. This is especially nice for highly social dogs.
CONS
- Vaccinations—Boarding facilities require proof of current vaccinations.
- Staff—Most kennels are not staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is not ideal for pets receiving medical care, or for your pets accustomed to sleeping with you.
- Kennel cough and exposure to parasites—Many dogs catch this contagious disease in boarding, which leads to illness, weight loss and a trip to the vet.
- Potential injury—Yours may be the most well-behaved dogs, but you are dealing with other dogs here. No matter how careful a facility is with behavior assessment, dogs are pack animals, and will establish group dominance. This can lead to aggression.
- Separation anxiety—Some dogs don’t do well in a kennel because they miss their owners. They may not eat due to the stress and concern over being left at the boarding facility. This lowers your dog’s immune system and may lead to illness.
- Price—If you have more than one or two dogs (or pets), or want your pet pampered with extras, it gets costly.
Let’s consider pet sitting.
PROS
- One-on-one interaction—Much of our job is to provide your dog with love, attention, exercise and interaction. If your dog is a people person, in-home dog sitting is the best option.
- Price—Visits include medications, walks, playtime, treats and more. Pet sitting in households with many pets is very reasonable for the level of care they receive.
- Familiarity for your dogs—Allowing pets to stay in their home provides comforting smells, favorite toys and beds. It also maintains their diet.
- Close watch on your pet’s well-being—We keep notes of each visit. Therefore, you know how your furry friend is doing while you are away.
CONS
- Your pet may get lonely. If your dog is accustomed to you being home all the time, the pet may like the dog socialization. Keep in mind we offer overnights as an option.
There are no bad choices when it comes to pet care services. You know what is best for your pet. You now have insight regarding each option, and can make an informed decision.
Give us a chance to show you using a dog sitter is the ideal choice for your dogs.
For more information about Critter Caretakers Pet Sitting, Where Your Pets Are Like Family, call (480) 553-0105. You also can visit the website at www.crittercaretakers.com. Join them on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/CritterCaretakersPetSitting.