Choosing a pet sitter for the first time

We have a beagle mix for almost 10 years. When we go on vacation and cannot bring him we've put him in the kennel. The thought being the kennel is cheaper, there is someone always on staff and there are other dogs so that our dog would not be lonely.

The last couple of times we put our dog in the kennel he came out of it not too happy. He looked tired and worn out. This year we decided on a pet sitter. Luckily, I knew someone who pet sits and I told her I'm nervous and not sure how this will work. She charged $17 for 30-45 minutes of dog time and that many people will set up 3 to 4 visits in a day. That was too much for us but we set it up so that we'd meet once on the first and last days and twice on the days in between. I will include a break down with costs below but

Thoughts on the Kennel:

• I have always assumed there was someone on staff at kennel at all times. I have found this is not true in most of the kennels we've been too.


• Since dogs are pack animals, I thought our dog would at least like spending the night with other dogs. After leaving him with a pet sitter, I don't think this is the case.


• Costs is dependent on weight of the dog, which determines the size of the room s/he gets. The cost of a kennel can vary because of their location, their services, the size of your dog and the gadgets they have in the dog's room. There is one kennel near us, where the dog can have a TV - you're talking $75 a night for that room. There are services available to the dog, like group play (with a group of dogs), one on one play (just your dog and a person), nail clipping, grooming, flea baths and some kennels have dog training.


• For us, one night's stay and a play time, plus fed twice a day would cost approximately $30 a night. Oddly, if we brought our food from home, we had to pay extra as well.


• On top of all that we have to make sure his shots are up to day. Yes I know some shots are essential but some like bordatella shots are required every 6 months. Many kennels now require their dogs to have the K9 Influenza shot.

Thoughts on a Pet Sitter:

• I was very worried about leaving the dog overnight, however when I saw how relaxed our dog was when we got home, I am no longer worry.


• Luckily, I knew someone who pet sits and knew how she was with my dog. I would recommend you find someone you know or get a recommendation from someone you trust.


• I told her I'm nervous and not sure how this will work. I explained to her my biggest concerns was that my dog will pee in the house and will be lonely. She worked with me on both of these issues and I gave it a try for a weekend trip.


• She charged $17 for each visit and that many people will set up 3 to 4 visits in a day. That was too much for us but we set it up so that we'd meet once on the first and last days and twice on the days in between. You can ask if they will come to your house just for an evening pee break for a discounted price.


• For each visit, she came fed our dog, fed our guinea pig, brought in our mail and any packages we may have out on the porch and with the rest of the time she would walk our dog or let him play in the backyard.


• Before our vacation, she came to our house and we discussed his routine, where we keep our dog supplies including dog clean up supplies and anything she should know. For us, I did not want our dog in any of the bedrooms but the bathroom door could stay open so if there is a thunderstorm, he had a place to hid.


• We did not have to get the K9 Influenza shot nor the bordatella shots.


• The cost for us came out to $40 for a full day - $17 for the days we were there half the day.


• One con, the pet sitter we used, although license and bonded did not always have the days that we needed. Luckily we were flexible but it could be frustrating if you have affixed date in mind. On the other hand, many sitters today have back up sitters.


• Oh, and it was so sweet to come home and not worry about how and when can we pick up the dog from the kennel.

Final thoughts: We did not travel without the dog much this summer. For the costs of the shots and the kennel stay, it came out to about the same as getting a pet sitter. When we came home that last day, our dog was happier. At the kennel, he would come home ecstatic that we picked him up and eager to go in the car to get home. Leaving him with the pet sitter, our dog was happy to see us but not a "Oh my god, I'm so glad you're here, it was crazy in there." Our dog is getting old (~12) and I think he needs a break from the craziness of a kennel. We will use the pet sitter for as long as we can.