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Pet Sitters--Options for When You Can't Take Your Pet with You

© Beverly Eschberger

In my last article, I discussed some of the concerns and benefits of boarding your pet in a kennel if you are not able to take him with you on your travels. Another option you might consider is a pet sitter, this is best for dogs if you will only be away for a short time.

There are three basic types of pet sitter: a pet sitter who stays in your house, a pet sitter who comes to your house once or twice a day, and a pet sitter who keeps your pet at their house. A pet sitter who stays in your house is a good idea if you have multiple pets, older/sick pets, or if you have a pet with special needs, such as a horse or other livestock. A pet sitter who stops by once or twice a day is generally only a good idea for dogs if you will be away for a short time. If you are leaving your healthy cat with a sitter, it will usually be sufficient for the sitter to stop by every other day. If you have a dog and will be away for only a short time, you might consider leaving him with a sitter who keeps him in their house. This is an especially good option if the sitter has a dog of their own that your dog can play with.

The first thing you will want to decide is whether to use a professional pet sitter or a friend or family member. If your pet is young and healthy and does not have any medical conditions that need to be treated or special dietary concerns, having a friend or family member pet sit is a good option. If your pet will require a lot of special care, a professional pet sitter will ease your worries, and save your friends and family from a lot of stress.

If you are considering having a friend or family member pet sit, first ask yourself if they are reliable. You may have heard horror stories from other pet owners about their pets becoming ill or making a mess of the house because the pet sitter forgot to come by or there was a miscommunication about when the owner was returning. If you are leaving your dog with a pet sitter, you need someone who will not forget to walk him. A friend or family member as a sitter is a good option if you want someone who will stay in your house while you are away.