Readers Respond: How did you find the "best" pet sitter or kennel for your pet?

Our pets are our family. They share our lives, homes and, when possible, travel with us. Sometimes though, traveling with our pets is not feasible. In those times, we must make arrangements for pet care.

Will your pet go to a boarding kennel, a friend's house, or will someone come to your house to take care of your pets? What is most important to you when seeking pet care?

There are many things to consider when seeking the "best" care for your pet while away. Each pet's age, personality and health all factor in when selecting the best option.

Please share your tips for finding a reliable and caring pet sitter. Share your tips

Kennels

The best way to choose a kennel is to ask around. Word of mouth is a good recommendation. Then visit and talk to the owners. We ran kennels for almost 30 years and people flocked to us because we had a good reputation. I have writen a book about our experiences.

—Guest Ann

Through Web Search

We did a search for local boarding facilities, then did a site inspection of all the ones we were interested in, not warning the places in advance. The one we chose was farther from our house but less expensive and the woman running it was a former humane officer for the town.

—abhoneymoons

Pet sitter

I have been accused of being obsessed with making sure that my pets are happy and healthy. I'm guilty as charged. I have been fortunate enough to find a terrific young couple that stay in my home and watch my 7 dogs, parrot, and horses. I would personally never board my pets, but that's not always a choice for some people. My suggestion if you want a pet-sitter to stay in-house is to ask the people you trust if they can suggest anyone. Friends, family, vet, groomer, anywhere you go you might find possibilities. You'd be surprised who may give you the perfect referral. You might also consider placing an ad in the local paper. Many do this for baby-sitters, or "senior" sitters. Of course you need to do background checks, but to me it's worth it to keep my fur-kids in their own surroundings. It's stressful enough when we leave them. Much more so when we cage or kennel them in strange surroundings. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

—Tacea

My Vet. clinic has a kennel for cats...

... as well as a number of Techs who pet sit. I have two recovering ferals, and I have boarded them more often than not. The kennels are like little condos, and they butt up to a big picture window with bird feeders outside. Everyone in the kennel section loves my cats, and frequently Clinic personnel come to visit the kennel. Becuase it is right there at the clinic, if they get sick, they will get immediate attention. And no one minds that I call every other day. A year after they first stayed at the kennel, the boarding staff remembered them, and knew which was which. As they are both black, that is not that common. Then I discovered one of the Techs was just wonderful, and I usually have her come in. She is SO excited if she gets a glimpse of them. That is the only problem with a sitter -- if there is anything wrong with my cats, it would not be noticed right away, because they hide.

—acter