We are starting to think of going away next winter for one or two weeks. We've never left Moe alone overnight at all. I'm just wondering how to go about this and does anyone have advice on Pet Sitters, who come into your home each day to feed, visit and clean the litter. We don't have anyone close by that we'd feel comfortable doing this for us, but there is a Pet Sitting service in our area that would do it.
Our dog would be at the kennel, where he does very well. So Moe would be missing all of us. Is this going to cause him tons of stress? I guess it would be best to try one night away and see how he reacts? Anyone ever gone on vacation with their raggie(s) at home? How did they do?
This concern has been on my mind as well. I have left the cats home for as long as 2 nights and all is well. The best option is to get someone to come into your home and check on your cat and clean litterbox etc. I probably would try to hire a vet tech as I feel more comfortable with someone of that nature. If using a pet sitter service get references and see if they are insured. Boarding is an option but check out the facilities first and additional charges if any.
You need to wait the safety of your home with the potential safety and stress on your cat. Not an easy thing to do.
If I go to Disney this fall or visit family out of state (I prefer Disney)this is what I will be forced to do in this order:
Vet Tech
Boarding in an Animal Hospital
Pet Sitter
Not to butt in, but I also had a question of a similar nature. The vets in my town (very small town) offer pet boarding. My kitten is not vaccinated for feline leukemia (breeder's recommendation and I'm sure most of you would agree with it) Is boarding a cat without the vaccination safe to do?
Hi,
we used a pet sitter service last year when we went for 2 weeks to Germany. We only had Lissy at the time but she was fine with it. My sister came by twice a week and checked if the pet sitter did feed and cleaned her litter box and everything seemed fine. We checked with our vet before about boarding, but they cage them and I don't like that for such a long period. I felt Lissy was better off at home in her familiar enviroment with free run through the house. And boarding seems to cost a little more compared to the sitter.
Hello thought I would add my two cents
I haven't had the use of a pet sitter myself as my mum always looks after milo when we go away however my best friend uses a pet sitter service all the time she approached a staff member at her local vet surgery and they arranged a house sitting....pet sitting arrangement to suit them both. My friend is very!!!!!!! particular her animals are her babies ( Not married no children) so they are her world. I must say that from her experience it is a very satisfactory arrangement not only does she have the benefit of her home being watched her animals are in the best of care from a nurse in their own home... finanicially it is abit more expensive than a cattery/boarding kennel but for her the costs doesn't matter it is peace of mind . I think she pays $75 for a weekend of course the vet nurse is thankful for the extra cash in hand which i believe she is putting towards the fees for furthering her career. anyway a win win for all hope this gives you some idea's
Thanks for all your input everyone. I never even thought of asking about a vet technician...that's a great idea. There are several of them at our vet's. I'll definitely look into that. It's nice to know that the pet sitting experiences were positive ones...I'd definitely have to research them well before making any decisions, one way or another. It's so hard to think of leaving him here all alone, but I think he'd be feel better in his own home environment. It's definitely not an easy choice to make!
We have a pet-sitter come and stay with the cats while we're away; while it's not often that we travel, it's very comforting to know that she stays here. She's also a dog walker in our neighborhood, so she's got the best of both worlds in a way.
I was also going to suggest your vet office. A good first choice....
I have used pet sitters (retired couple) great. They 'moved in' and brought all their own things (including cookware etc) did an excellent job including doing odd jobs around the yard etc. We were so impressed that we got the same couple back the next year when away.
Ask your vets if they know of anyone who has used pet sitters, and if so could they get them to contact you or ask permission for their details to be given to you.
At present our wonderful across the road neighbour helps us out.
Good luck