Are you planning a vacation this year? Perhaps you have to go on a business trip? What will happen to your pets while you are away? Have you stopped to consider hiring a pet sitter as an alternative to boarding kennels?
A professional pet sitter will provide individualized care, make sure your pet is comfortable, fed, watered and happy, and following his usual routine. He or she is an experienced animal lover who comes to your home once or several times a day and gives your pets his or her undivided love and attention.
Hiring a pet sitter means that your pet, or pets can remain undisturbed in the comfort of their own, familiar home environment. Being at home means no stress for your pets, they can continue to sleep in their favorite places, play with their favorite toys, eat, drink and go potty in the usual places.
Boarding kennels can be stressful, frightening places for your pets. Confinement in a cage is exactly that, no matter how they try to dress it up. Kennels call their cages a whole range of 'nice' names, but at the end of the day, your pets will be sitting in cages while you are away except for short, regulated toilet breaks.
Even these toilet breaks can be hazardous for your pets because they are often taken in groups which exposes them to the possibility of aggression and even full blown attacks from other dogs. This will immediately add to the stress and trauma they are probably already feeling.
Remaining at home means your pets will not be exposed to other pets' germs and diseases. Most kennels require your pets to have a long list of current vaccinations, a lot of which they would never otherwise have. A pet living at home normally doesn't need them and any unnecessary vaccination increases the possibility of an allergic reaction. Remember too, the side effects of these vaccinations can continue to be a health risk for the rest of your pets' lives.
Price should also be an important consideration. All kennels calculate their rates on the size of your pet(s) and number being boarded. This can rapidly become very expensive. A pet sitter will charge get more info an affordable per-visit fee and multiple pets will be pro-rated.
The number of visits a pet sitter makes can also be tailored to your particular pets' needs. Depending on your pets, their ages, whether you have a doggie door, etc. a schedule of between one and four visits can be set up.
A professional pet sitter will also perform security minded tasks such as bringing in newspapers, flyers and mail and just their regular daily visits will be a huge security factor, not to mention your pet's presence in the house, acting as a watchdog. Your home will continue to have a 'lived in' look.
Did you know that a lot of homes are burglarized because someone in the local newspaper's subscription office is earning money by informing thieves when people have canceled deliveries while they are on vacation?
Also, as a security factor always employ a pet sitter from a big, professional company. Why? Because they screen their employees and require them to undergo rigorous security and criminal checks. They will provide extensive testimonials. You need this assurance.