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Pet
Caregivers
 Make
sure that your pets are in good hands when you are away
Holidays
often involve travel
I am not a frequent flyer to exotic places, or for that matter, a regular
traveler anywhere. That said, I do occasionally need to travel afar for
family events and holidays. The biggest stressor for me as a traveler
is what to do with my pets!
Choosing
a pet caretaker
The type of pets and their individual personalities may dictate what type
of caretaker would be best. I have a varied collection of pets, so I work
with an in-home pet sitter. (No kennels in this area take geese or chickens!)
Pet sitters are also a nice option for pets that get stressed in a kennel
situation. The routine can be maintained, and many animals derive comfort
from routine. An added benefit of a live-in pet sitter is home security
- mail and papers are taken in, lights turned on, and someone is coming
and going to deter would-be thieves.
For some,
a kennel is a better option -- animals that need medical supervision or
animals that become bored or stressed when left alone in the house (leading
to destroying the house, barking, etc.). The kennel is also more 'social',
so for pets that enjoy the company of others, this is a nice option to
keep them busy.
Where
to find the best pet care takers
To start, ask friends and family who they have take care of their pets.
Your veterinarian is also a good reference.
Some vet
clinics also do boarding in addition to medical services -- evaluate them
as a kennel, just like you would other kennels. If you don't have any
good personal references to go on, check the phone book, make some calls,
and visit the kennels you are interested in. Also, check with your local
Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any complaints against
a facility.
Pet care
checklist
When searching for a pet sitter, consider these points:
- How many
hours a day will s/he be there? Overnight stay included?
- Is s/he
able to administer any necessary medications to your pet?
- Does s/he
have transportation in case of an emergency?
- Does s/he
seem to have a rapport with your pets? Does s/he have pets of their
own?
- Finally,
what do your pets think?
When searching
for a kennel consider these points:
- What are
the hours for drop off and pick up? If the hours don't meet your travel
schedule, can another person (that you specify) deliver or pick up your
pets?
- What are
the vaccination requirements?
- How are
the kennels arranged -- indoor/outdoor runs, exercise area? Are the
runs large enough to comfortably accommodate your pet, and is there
a 'bed' or dry area that the pet can sleep?
- Are the
dogs walked or exercised, and is there an extra fee for this?
- What happens
in case of emergency?
- Can you
bring your pet's food, blankets, toys?
- Will medications
be administered, and is there an extra fee for this?
- Are there
bathing and grooming services available before the pet is picked up?
- Find out
the feeding schedules, walking schedules of the kennel.
- Does the
kennel appear clean and relatively odor free?
- Are you
allowed to view all areas of the kennel? Can you drop by unannounced
for a tour, or is an appointment required?
- For a
veterinary hospital kennel: are the sick animals kept away from the
boarding animals?
When the
time comes, don't make a huge deal out of leaving your pet. This can really
stress out some pets. Tell them what a good dog/cat they are, and be off
...hard as it may be.
Upon your
return, be sure to ask the kennel help how your pet fared in your absence
-- any diarrhea, coughing, loss of appetite? How does your pet look --
is the coat odor-free, dry, and not tangled?
Hopefully,
your pet is looking and feeling fine! If not, be sure to speak to the
manager or owner. Good communication is important, and if your pet isn't
in top condition at pick up, be sure to point out what is wrong, for next
time (unless a new care taker is chosen).
Related
Reading
National Association
of Professional Pet Sitters - This association offers certification
for pet sitters.
American
Boarding Kennels Association - Find an accredited kennel near you.
Herp
Sitters List - In home care for turtles, snakes, iguanas and such.
Pet
Sitter Yellow Pages - Find a pet sitter near you.
TravelDog.com
- Travel opportunities with your dog.
"Choosing
Sport's vacation home"
DogFriendly.com
- Go Places With Your Dog!TM
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
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