As the owners of a loving, older cat and former dog owners, we know all too well the hassle of trying to figure out what to do with our pet while we travel.
Whether you’re gone a week or six months there are three main options for your pet when you’re on vacation. You can have someone take care of your pet in your house, have your pet go to someone else’s place or take your pet with you. What you do with them depends on how long you’re traveling, how much money you’re willing to spend and how much you trust others to take care of your extended family.
Nova dreaming of her next adventure…
Keep your pet at home when you travel
For us, keeping our cat at home and hiring a pet sitter works well for short trips. We’ve asked a neighbor to watch over him in the past, but as our friends get busier with kids and work, it’s become more of an imposition, so we find it easier to hire someone.
Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
The main disadvantage of hiring a sitter is that it can be a bit costly. $20 per visit is fairly standard, which can add up over longer trips. Professional sitters are generally very dependable (but check references carefully) and they know how to take care of animals. Our pet sitter even has Pet First Aid training and is insured and bonded. Pet sitters generally visit once a day for cats and twice for dogs.
Note – while they’re not necessarily professional, we know a lot of folks who’ve had great luck finding a home and pet sitter with Trusted Housesitters.