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 caregiver
The type of pets and their individual personalities may dictate what type of caregiver 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 caretakers
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:

1. How many hours a day will s/he be there? Overnight stay included?
2. Is s/he able to administer any necessary medications to your pet?
3. Does s/he have transportation in case of an emergency?
4. Does s/he seem to have a rapport with your pets? Does s/he have pets of their own?
5. Finally, what do your pets think?

When searching for a kennel consider these points:

1. 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?
2. What are the vaccination requirements?
3. 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?
4. Are the dogs walked or exercised, and is there an extra fee for this?
5. What happens in case of emergency?
6. Can you bring your pet's food, blankets, toys?
7. Will medications be administered, and is there an extra fee for this?
8. Are there bathing and grooming services available before the pet is picked up?
9. Find out the feeding schedules, walking schedules of the kennel.
10. Does the kennel appear clean and relatively odor free?
11. Are you allowed to view all areas of the kennel? Can you drop by unannounced for a tour, or is an appointment required?
12. For a veterinary hospital kennel: are the sick animals kept away from the boarding animals?

When the time comes to leave your pet, don't make a huge deal out of your departure. This can really stress out some pets. Tell them what a good dog/cat they are, and be off ...hard as it may be.

Continued --- Coming Home...>>>

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Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.

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