Finding the perfect pet sitter

For many, holidays are a time for travel, whether visiting relatives or taking advantage of time off to escape to warmer climes. As a pet owner, going out of town means finding appropriate accommodations for Fido or Fluffy.

Preparation, pre-screening and proper communication can help build trust between you and the sitter, and you can head out on vacation knowing your pet is in good hands.

There’s no place like home
The best way to reduce stress for your dog is to have someone come and stay in your home, so your pup can remain in familiar surroundings and keep the same schedule, dog expert Cesar Millan explains on his website. Whether you’re hiring someone or begging a favor from a family member, make sure the person you’re choosing is a good fit for your animal’s personality and activity level. If your dog requires plenty of exercise, for instance, try to find someone who is able to keep up with long walks and extended periods of playtime.

Home-style boarding
If having someone stay or visit your animals at home isn’t an option, an alternative is to look for home boarding, where your pet can stay at someone else’s home while you’re away. This can afford your pet more personalized attention than they might get from a kennel, so you’ll want to be sure your pet sitter is responsible and good with animals.

DogVacay offers an interesting online service to help you find a host for your pup. Pet sitters can use the system to create a profile and set their own rates. Pet owners can then peruse profiles and reviews before deciding upon a host family. As part of the service, the company also provides insurance in the event of a veterinary emergency.

Background check
Whether you opt for a pet sitter or kennel, communication is key to finding the perfect guardian for your pet. Pet Sitters International offers a handy checklist for interviewing prospective sitters. And remember, especially if you’re inviting someone into your home, to ensure they’re properly bonded and insured so that you’re protected in case of theft or damage.

Along with interviewing potential pet sitters, the Humane Society also recommends asking for – and following up with – professional references. They suggest arranging a meeting between your pet and potential sitter before you leave, so you can watch how they interact. And if you’re planning a long vacation, you may want to start with a few trial runs; if pet and sitter manage well during an overnight or weekend stay, you’ll be much more comfortable with the arrangement when you need to go away for a week or two.

Whatever solution you find works best for you, bear in mind that change and separation can be stressful to pets, so you’ll want to ease them into it. Once you’ve done your homework and made the time to select the perfect pet sitter, you enjoy your vacation confident that you’ve found someone you can trust with your furry friend.

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