Cuddly Critters

Pet Pros to the Rescue

Advantages of Boarding, Daycare, and Sitters

By Brie Hellbusch

If there’s one thing that all pet parents know, it’s that leavinga furry friend at home never gets easier. Whether it’s for just a few hoursor for an extended vacation, pets can feel anxious about being left alone,and they’re not the only ones! Leaving your pet behind can bring asense of nerves to owners, too. Fortunately, pet care professionals canhelp alleviate this stress for pets and owners alike.

For owners who would prefer not to leave their pets unsupervised during the workday, pet daycare is an excellent alternative. Just like daycares for young children, pet daycares usually have flexible schedules, offer entertainment and enrichment opportunities, and provide engagement and socialization. Some facilities even offer live cameras or provide photo updates throughout the day, which can be a very reassuring perk for owners. Short-term care is likely available for one-off situations when it might be best for pets to be away from home for a few hours—moving day or renovation day, for example.

If traveling for longer than a day trip, it may be best to board your animals while you’re away. Short-term boarding, for brief vacations, is readily available. Some facilities also offer long-term boarding for owners who need to be away for weeks. Cat and dog boarding facilities are similar in nature, as they both offer private areas for relaxation and optional group exercise for animals, both indoors and out, as appropriate. Dogs are also typically walked several times a day.

Though pet boarding facilities have many things in common, they are not all the same. Some places might only offer the basics to keep your pets safe while you’re away, while other facilities are more like a pet spa. Prior to making a selection, it’s important to visit the facility and ask questions. Make sure the boarding environment is clean and the staff are friendly. It’s important to know how often your pet will be exercised and fed and how much time your pet will spend with the other animals boarding at the facility. If your pet requires special dietary or medicinal arrangements, make sure those are squared away in advance. It’s wise to consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Many locations will allow for an initial assessment, meaning an owner and pet can visit the facility and interact with staff and other animals before booking a stay. Owners should also check that boarding and daycare facilities are prepared for emergencies (medical or otherwise). Some boarding facilities employ staff who have specific training or certifications, and they may even have a vet on call. They should also have an evacuation plan in case of fire. For the safety of all the animals, it’s important to make sure the facility adheres to a strict policy that requires all animals to be current on vaccinations.

Animals have different temperaments, just like people. For a highly social, energetic pet, boarding can be like a dream come true—so many friends, so little time! For other animals, leaving their environment can be traumatic. Pet sitting or dog walking can be a great option for these families. Pets will feel secure in their own home, surrounded by familiarities, and they’ll also be able to follow their regular diet and exercise routine when the pet sitter is around. They will receive personal attention and affection and won’t be exposed to any potential illnesses from other animals.

Not all pet sitters are equal, which is why it’s extremely important to conduct research and look for a pet sitter who is credentialed or trained in pet care. For liability purposes, an owner may want to request a background check, as well as proof of insurance and bonding, during the interview process. Some small businesses corral a team of sitters and walkers who are assigned to different clients. Hiring through an agency saves you the work of background screening and insurance, as these aspects are handled by the business. If you need a recommendation for a pet sitter or dog walker, talk to your veterinarian or local friends who use this type of pet service.

Even the most dedicated pet owner can't care for pets every minute of every day. A time will inevitably come when finding proper pet care is the clear way forward. This is a responsible choice on the pet owner's part and ensures that the pet remains in good hands. It's well worth the time and effort for the peace of mind you get when you know your beloved pet is being well tended while you're away.

Sources for this article included: 123petsoftware.com, merckvetmanual.com, and petsitters.org.