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• Most pets, especially cats and dogs, like routine. Using the services of a professional pet sitter will enable your pets to keep their normal eating, playtime, exercise, and sleep routines.
• When your pet stays in his own home, he won't be stressed from being transported to a strange place.
• Your pet will be able to stay in his own home where he is most comfortable, with the sights, sounds, and smells to which he is accustomed.
• If your pet is on medication, or other medical treatment, your pet sitter will be able to keep him on his regular schedule.
• Your pet will not be exposed to illnesses that may be contracted at a kennel.
• Having a pet sitter come to your home also works as a crime deterrent. Most pet sitters will bring in the mail, turn lights off/on, open/close draperies, etc. to help give your home a lived in look. And, in the event of an emergency, they will be able to contact you immediately rather than you coming home to find a problem with your home.
• You won't have to inconvenience family or friends. While they may mean well, and intend to give excellent care, sometimes they may fall short of your expectations. When you hire a professional pet sitter, it creates a businesses relationship with clear expectations for you and your pet sitter.
• Many pet sitters further their education and continue to improve their skills in order to give your pets the best care possible (first aid training, pet CPR, pet behavior seminars, etc.).
• Your pet will get consistent and personalized care from one person who knows your pet well. Most pet sitters will become quite fond of your pets and will give them excellent care!
• It's more convenient for you. You won't have to carve time out of your busy schedule to drop off or pick up your pet from a kennel.
• Your pet will be home, waiting at the door to greet you when you come home!
  

So what's the deal with using a pet sitter anyway? Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper just to take my pets to a boarding kennel?

This is a very common question from people who have never used the services of a pet sitter. Sure, it might be easier in some ways, and it may even be cheaper, but my question in return is always, "Do you want what's best for your pet? If so, a pet sitter may be what you need." For the vast majority of pets, staying in their own home while you're away will prove to be the best choice of care for a variety of reasons.

For some, boarding may very well be the most appropriate arrangement. Perhaps your dog suffers from separation anxiety, is destructive when left alone, or because of health reasons might need to be supervised more closely. If any of these scenarios are the case, your pet may do better with the interaction and stimulation he might experience at a boarding facility. For many others though, being able to remain in their own home is the ideal situation. In a kennel, the surroundings are unfamiliar, filled with new sounds to become accustomed to, new smells to contend with, and new people to get used to. Being away from his people for an extended period of time is a lot for him to handle, and can be quite stressful. Staying in his own home avoids these issues and he can take comfort in the fact that he's surrounded by the things he knows; the sights, sounds, smells, and things that he has shared with his human friends.

There are other benefits for the pet as well as the pet owner when the services of a professional pet sitter are used. Having someone competent come to your home on regularly scheduled visits will ensure your pet's routine is more closely adhered to than if he were boarded. This may mean that his feeding time is kept at the same time each day, and that he eats the same food he's accustomed to. It may also mean that his walk and or play time happens at the same time and in the same manner even though you aren't available. And although most boarding facilities do their best to avoid boarding pets who are ill, sometimes it's unavoidable. Remaining in your home will ensure your pet is not exposed to illness. An additional benefit is that your pet sitter will be able to give your pet individual attention, which isn't always possible when boarding.

Aside from the care your pet gets, most pet sitters provide other services to ensure the safety of your home while you're away. They will bring in your mail, turn lights off and on, open and close window coverings, take the trash out, and other chores to make your home look lived in. If anything out of the ordinary happens, your pet sitter can contact you or previously named family or friends. With your home being looked in on at regular intervals, if anything is amiss, it can be handled promptly rather than having to wait until your return.

When you use the services of a professional pet sitter, you won't have to rely on friends or family and you'll know your pet will be secure in his own home, and ready to greet you when you return home.

Keep in mind that while pet sitting is, by far, the best choice for the majority of pets, it may not be ideal for some. Pets with separation anxiety, other behavioral issues, or pets with delicate medical conditions may do better in a kennel or veterinary boarding facility. If you have concerns, be sure to talk to your pet sitter or veterinarian, who will be able to help you determine the best option for your pet.

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