“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
Have you used a professional dog sitter in the past? If not, we will discuss the advantages of this service and the effects on your dog in this article. When most people need someone to take care of their dog while they are away on vacation, business, or just gone for a few days family and friends are utilized by many. I think this is a good idea when possible, but what if you do not have anyone who can take care of your dog while you are away? A professional dog sitter probably is the best option in these circumstances and the reasons why are listed below.
If you choose to forego the services of a professional dog sitter and have no family or friends who can care for your dog, the only option left is boarding the dog in a kennel while you are away. This is a very common practice but also has several drawbacks you need to be aware of.
Boarding kennels by their very nature are going to expose your dog to many other canines as well as other pets. This vastly increases the risks of your dog contracting a virus, disease, fleas, and possibly getting into fights with other pets. I am not putting down kennels, but the sad fact is there is a wide range between well managed kennels and those who are simply run by people who are out to make a buck with little thought for the pets they keep.
Your dog is naturally going to be stressed while in a kennel no matter how well maintained and clean it is. He or she is going to be away from the comfort of their home with many other barking, growling, whining dogs who are just as stressed out and unhappy as your furball.
This can very likely affect his eating habits, sleeping habits, and increase the likelihood you will never get him near a kennel in the future without a big fuss put up by the dog.
Avoid all this by using a skilled dog sitter who has the training and ability to give your dog the proper care he deserves in the comfort of your own home. This is going to relieve any stress the dog may feel while you are away plus your dog is able to maintain his normal feeding, sleep, and exercise routines.
Our dogs have feelings and like things to be familiar and regular just as humans do, so next time you need to be away from home try hiring a professional dog sitter. You and you dog will not regret it.
Have you used such a service before? Please relate your experiences to our readers in the space below.
jo moore
Sep 18, 2013 at 8:44 pm
I too am a pet carer/sitter/dogs walker, and i truly believe in, the best place for our pets are at home.
I am in Melbourne, Australia, and recently started my own business doing just that. i have left it later in life so my human kids can fly the nest, so now, i can concentrate on my fur babies. I luv every minute of looking after animals, they need lots of TLC……Jo 🙂 PS i would lurrrvv to skype/email/facetime anyone who is a carer, so we can swap tips, and just generally have a chat, anyone interested????
Betheny Green
Sep 18, 2013 at 10:41 am
I too am a professional pet sitter. I was so glad to see this article! It’s true…the best place for a fur-kid is in the comfort of their own surroundings.
Rhonnie McCauley
Sep 18, 2013 at 9:25 am
I am a Professional Pet Sitter. We have been in business since 1999. I always recommend in home pet sitting to my clients when they are out of town. We do daily dog walks, in home visits and overnights at the doggies home. I find this article to be spot on regarding keeping the dog/cat happy in their own environment. It is hard work and we are on the clock 24/7 until the pet owners return home. It is especially important to keep the pets at home if they are sick or on medication, UNLESS of course, they need to be under a Vet’s supervision. Thank you for posting this article.
Sincerely, Rhonnie
Denise
Sep 18, 2013 at 10:34 am
What state do you live in? I am from Columbus, Ohio