Leaving your pet while you are at work, traveling or on vacation can be stressful. You know you need help but what is the best fit for your pet and their lifestyle? Let’s go over the different options offered in the pet care industry and see what works for you!
Dog walks
Whether your dog needs a potty break, exercise, socialization – walks are a great way to spoil your dog while you are away during the week! Pets who benefit the most from this service include puppies who are potty training, high energy dogs, dogs who need socialization or suffer from anxiety. Exposing your dog to new locations and smells are a great way to train socialization and spoil them. Great for families who work long hours, have a long commute home, or need to give their pet some exercise and attention while they attend an event.
Drop – in visits
Great for pets who do better at home for long-term stays who just need potty breaks along with checking while giving meals and water. Some pets follow a strict routine. Most cats do not like to be moved from home. Your sitter will stop by as many times a day as needed to care for your little ones. This service is great for pets with strict routines, seniors with disabilities, residences with multiple species of pets, pets that have anxiety or like to hide. Drop – in visits can also include walks for your dogs!
Doggy Daycare
There are many Doggy Daycares in the business! Some Commercial, some are local small businesses. These professionals will provide a large space for your dog to run and play! Some local businesses may run a daycare out of their homes with large yards or even their farm! Doggy Daycare’s are great for high energy dogs, socializing puppies or pet’s that get bored or lonely when you are away from home. These facilities have their own process when it comes to applying. Your dog must be good with both male and female dogs as they will be sharing a space during most of their time outside or inside. You will need to drop off and pick up your pet each day. There are some hazards with high capacity daycares such as kennel cough outbreaks. As always – make sure your pet is up to date with vaccinations. Some daycares will require all if not the basic set of vaccinations to be allowed in.
House sitting
Much like drop-in visits, this is great who pets who like to stay at home. Great for anyone who has one or more pets. You feel at ease for your sitter to spend time in your home and sleep over at night with your pets. Your pets will get more supervision and TLC! Plus your sitter will be home overnight to snuggle and also keep your home and pet family safe. You can ask if your sitter includes some house tasks during their stay such as watering plants, checking mail and other small duties. Sitters are expected to clean after themselves when staying in your home.
Overnight Boarding
Typically in the pet care industry there are many high capacity boarding kennels. Boarding kennels may be small businesses, corporations/franchises that may include daycare or boarding, or have a boarding service provided by your veterinarian. These facilities are not one size fits all. These facilities must follow legal protocols for zoning, sanitation and safety. Boarding at your local vet is great if your pet is prone to illness or requires frequent monitoring and medication. Most facilities have cameras to monitor all activity and keep records of your pet’s care. Commercial daycare and boarding facilities have concrete floors along with outdoor areas – which may be great for cleaning but are not great with dogs with mobility issues or dogs that do not like cold floors. Boarding facilities that also offer daycare is a great way to socialize your dog and let them play with new friends! Cats can acclimate and do great at facilities but some prefer not to be moved or do best with no additional stress. Some facilities that board cats will have stress reducing diffusers and cat nip available to make your cat relaxed during their stay. It never hurts to do an interview or trial run with these facilities.
Overnight In-Home Boarding
This service is when your pet stays at your sitter’s home overnight for one on one care. Your sitter has their own set of protocols and may offer to board your pet in their own home. Some sitters may allow your pet on their furniture or let them sleep in their bed. If they are kenneled trained you or your sitter may provide a kennel. Some sitters have a section of their home dedicated to boarding guests in their home, where others let them in as one of their own with access to most of the home. Your sitter will supervise and care for your pet in their home and treat them as their own. Ask your sitter if they provide this service and ask details about their protocols and residence. Ask your sitter how often they send reports, or communicate how often you’d like updates. A sitter may also have their own pets present so ask to see if your pet would be a good fit! Trial runs are a must for this service!
Time to book your service!
Communicate your pet’s needs and see what works best for you! Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and have all the food and supplies needed for their service. Be sure to find a fit ahead of time for future trips or workdays so that you can book in advance! It is highly recommended to also find a back up in case of short notice instances, emergencies or limited availability. Now you are set to find that dream service for you pet!
