Choosing a Kennel or Pet Sitter
How to Ensure That Pets are Happy and Healthy Without Their Owners
Aug 5, 2009
Leaving a pet behind to go on holiday or vacation can be stressful, both for the pet and for the owner. There are many options and services to reduce this stress. The most traditional (particularly for dogs) is to put the animal in a kennel. Today other options such as pet sitting, dog walking and feeding, and twice a day check ups are available.
24 Hour Kennels
This is the most traditional and still most common way of making sure that a pet is cared for while its owner is away. This can be stressful on the animal because it is both in a new environment and away from its family. The kennel should be investigated by the owner before a pet is left there.
When going to look at a kennel the most important feature to consider is the health and happiness of the animals which are already there. Some animals, particularly homesick dogs, will react badly regardless of the care they are receiving and will look miserable and whine even if they are being well cared for. This should be considered, however the majority of the animals should be happy. The facilities should be clean, and the kennel should not smell strongly.
Long stay kennels should allow the animals – particularly dogs – a good amount of exercise. This usually takes place in a large dog run or pen, but can take the form of dog walking. It is important to ask how the animals will be exercised and how often. If the dog being left is a very timid or small dog the kennel should take this into consideration. Ideally there should be different groups of dogs which get turned out in the pen at different times.
Pet Sitting
Pet sitting, or overnight care, is when someone comes to the animal’s house and lives there for at least part of the day while the owner is away. This takes a great deal of trust in the pet sitter; however it can be much less stressful for the animal. The animal does not have to alter its routine or deal with possibly unfriendly or dangerous dogs. For cats, pet sitting is a much better option and the cat will be much happier in its own home.
A pet sitter can often be found through a kennel. This is a good way to meet a pet sitter as she will often come with references and testimonials. Another option is to pay a neighbour who enjoys the company of animals. This can be beneficial because the animal might already know and be comfortable with the neighbour. The professional option can be better if the animal has any special dietary or behavioural needs, as they will be better able to deal with tricky or sick pets.
Dog Walking and Drop-Ins
If the pet is not going to be left for very long (fewer than 3 days) then routine dog walking and twice daily drop-ins are another option. This is ideal if the pet is only going to be alone for less than 30 hours. This option is usually less expensive than full time pet sitting, but still has the benefits of keeping the animal in its own home.
Dog walking and drop-ins are also great options for the pets of people who work long hours. While the owner is at work the dog walker or pet sitter can visit the animal, possibly give it some exercise, and make sure that it’s okay. This keeps the animal active during the day, stops it from getting lonely while its owner is at work, and means that the owner doesn’t have to worry about his pet and can focus on board meetings etc.
No matter which option suits the pet and owner best, it is the owner’s responsibility to inform the kennel or sitter about all of the pet's needs. This includes diet, social issues and aggression, and past health problems. The kennel or sitter should know a vet, however the pet’s regular vet’s contact details should be provided.
Finding the right solution for a pet’s loneliness can make all the difference for the owner. Taking time in choosing the right kennel or sitter is worthwhile.
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