International Pet Sitters Week is the first week of March! This event was founded by PSI, the world’s largest professional pet sitters organization. While your canine buddy would love to go everywhere with you, that just isn’t always possible. And, while many people have been working from home this year, there are still times that people need to leave their dogs in the care of others. A local vet discusses pet sitting below.
When should you use a sitter or dog walker? They can be a perfect solution for times when you are working long hours. Fido is usually pretty good about holding it, but he can only go so long. The fresh air, exercise, stimulation, and company a dog walker provides will definitely benefit him, and just help break up his alone time.
When should you use a pet sitter, as opposed to boarding Fido? While every circumstance is different, we would generally advise boarding if you’re going to be gone for more than a day. It’s worth noting that many kennels have reduced their hours or capacity, or even paused services, during the pandemic, which may make pet sitting the obvious choice for some.
Many people opt to ask friends or family members to watch their dogs. There are some obvious benefits here: it’s often much cheaper, and people are comfortable leaving their pups are in friendly, familiar hands. However, if something were to happen, that could strain—or even ruin—your relationship. You also won’t have the protection that a licensed sitter or kennel would offer.
If you are going to use a pet sitter, the first and biggest concern is screening applicants. Professional organizations do vet their applicants, but even this isn’t always foolproof. Ask for references, and check review sites. You may also want to ask your friends, family members, co-workers, and veterinarian for recommendations. One thing that is very important is making sure that your canine pal’s sitter or kennel is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Of course, Fido should also be able to weigh in!
Whether you choose boarding or pet sitting, we recommend starting out with a short trial run. In case of boarding, this helps Fido get used to his home away from home. With pet sitters, it allows you a chance to see how things go.
Is your pet due for vaccinations or an exam? Contact us, your local veterinary clinic, today!
