Summer trips, holiday travel, long weekends – we love to go but if we can’t bring our pet with us, we want to know best pet sitter options. Whatever is pulling you away from home, figuring out who will care for your pet feels like such a big decision as a pet parent. Here are the options I have actually used, plus what to think through before you decide
Some Best Pet Sitter Options To Consider
In-home pet sitting means someone comes to your home to care for your pet. Rover is a great place to find sitters and read reviews from other pet parents in your area. You can also ask your veterinarian office.
Check-in pet sitting is a sitter who stops by once or twice a day rather than staying. If you are in Southern California, I love Firehydrant Petsitting. They also serve the Chicago area.
Boarding means your pet stays at a facility overnight. Two I can personally vouch for: Pet Suites in Aliso Viejo, CA and Pet Patrol in Corona, CA.
A trusted neighbor or friend who checks in is sometimes the simplest and most comforting option for your pet, especially if they already know and love your animal.
Leaving your pet with trusted family who you know will be diligent on your pet’s care and maybe even spoil them a bit!
What to Weigh Before You Decide
Cost is always a factor, but so is your pet’s age and health. Senior pets often do much better in their own home where the routine stays familiar. If your pet has anxiety, a boarding facility with lots of dogs and noise may not be the right fit either.
If you are considering boarding, visit the location first.
Walk through it. Ask questions. Here is what I would ask:
Can I bring my pet’s own bed?
How often do they get walked?
Do they interact with other dogs? With people?
How will I be updated on how they are doing?
What does the daily rate include exactly?
Can you share any testimonials or references?
After that, ask your vet for recommendations. Then ask your neighborhood, your family, your friends. Word of mouth from other pet parents who treat their animals like family is the most trustworthy referral you can get.
If You Are Boarding Your Pet, Pack What Comforts Them
Bring their blanket, a favorite toy, their own food, and if you can, a shirt you have worn that smells like you. That last one sounds small but it makes a real difference.
We have tried all the different pet sitter options listed above, and I have to say, our best pet sitter options for our own pets have been in home care. Of course we love having someone stay with them the whole time, but that is most expensive. Our next best is having a pet sitter come in and walk them, feed them, play for a bit – so drop in care. Of course everyone’s situation and pets are all different, but I love to share what has helped us.
