Choosing Your Pet’s Other Caregiver

Professional Pet Sitters Week starts March 9 ^th ! We think it’s a great idea to celebrate people who help look after pets when their owners are away. No matter how much you love your furry friend, sooner or later, you’ll have to leave them in the care of others. A Washington DC vet discusses some options below.

Pet sitters are becoming quite popular these days. This can be a good option for cats, or for when you’ll only be gone overnight. Of course, you’ll need to find someone you trust. A friend or family member may seem like an ideal choice at first. However, keep in mind that things can really go sour if something goes wrong. For instance, if you bring Fido to your aunt’s and he gets out, he won’t know where he is, and could easily get lost.

Pet sitters can be great, but they aren’t right for every situation. We recommend boarding for anything longer than an overnight trip, unless you have someone you trust to stay at your place. This is especially important with dogs. Fido not only needs regular walks, but he can get very distressed if he’s left alone too long! Boarding is also a better option for people with kittens, puppies, or senior pets, as well as pets with health issues. Of course, leaving town isn’t the only time you may need to board your pet. Boarding is also a good option for when you’re doing home renovations, having surgery, during major life events, like weddings and births, and on moving day.

Dog walkers generally fall somewhere in between pet sitting and boarding. This can be a great option for times when you know you’re in for a long day. Fido will get a chance to relieve himself, and get some activity. Plus, it will break up his day, so he won’t feel so lonely.

Choosing your pet’s caregiver is a big decision! Do plenty of research, and ask for references. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends and family members, as well as from your vet. We also recommend doing a trial run. For example, if you’re boarding, bring Fido to the kennel for an overnight stay before leaving town for a week.

Do you need to schedule boarding for your pet? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic!