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International Pet Sitters Week is coming up quick: it’s the first week of March! This event was founded by PSI, the world’s largest professional pet sitters organization. Pet sitters are becoming quite popular. While your canine buddy would love to go everywhere with you, that just isn’t always possible. And, while many people have been working from home this year, there are still times that people will still need to leave their dogs in the care of others. A local vet discusses pet sitting below.

Benefits of A Sitter

When should you use a sitter or dog walker? Well, any day you could use a hand walking your pooch! This can be a perfect solution for times when you are working long hours. Fido is usually pretty good about holding it, but even the best pup can only go so long. The fresh air, exercise, stimulation, and company a dog walker can provide will definitely benefit him, and just help break up his alone time.

Sitter Or Boarding?

When should you use a pet sitter, as opposed to boarding? While every circumstance is different, we would generally advise boarding at times when you’re going to be gone for more than a day. It’s also worth noting that many kennels have reduced their hours or capacity, or even paused services, during the pandemic. This may make pet sitting the obvious choice for some.

Friends And Family

Many people prefer to ask friends or family members to watch their dogs. There are some obvious benefits here. For one thing, it’s often cheaper. Plus, people are comfortable leaving their pups in friendly, familiar hands. However, if something were to happen, that could potentially strain—or even ruin—your relationship. You also won’t have the protection that a licensed sitter or kennel would offer.

Choosing Fido’s Sitter

If you do decide to use a pet sitter, the first and biggest concern is screening applicants. Professional organizations do vet their applicants, but even this isn’t always foolproof. Ask for references, and check review sites. Ask your friends, family members, co-workers, and veterinarian for recommendations. Just make sure that your canine pal’s sitter or kennel is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Of course, Fido should also be able to weigh in! See how he reacts to his new caregiver.

Trial Run

Whether you choose boarding or pet sitting for your pooch, we recommend starting out with a short trial run. In case of boarding, this helps Fido get used to his home away from home. With pet sitters, it allows you a chance to see how things go.

Is your pet due for vaccinations or an exam? Please contact us, your local veterinary clinic, today!