PAWS TO PONDER

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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.

Did you know, boarding kennels are sometimes not the best option for your pet when you go away on vacation or business trips?  But then again, neither is a pet sitter always the best option whether they are a professional pet sitter, private sitter, your neighbor or family member.   There are pros and cons about each of them.  It comes down to knowing your pet and where your pet will better adjust to the change of you not being there.  And, where your pet will be safe and secure.  

If choosing a boarding kennel, visit it first and see the room or kennel where your pet will be staying and the amenities you can choose for them.  Some boarding facilities are like the shelter environment utilizing kennels while others offer “rooms” with TV and cameras for you to see your pet during their stay.  Many offer play time and walks, either individually or in groups.     It is your responsibility to inform the staff about your pet and its preferences or quirks.   Most boarding places are fully fenced to prevent any potential escapees.  They do require certain vaccinations to protect their charges.  I felt my dogs would be alone too long with only twice a day pet sitting visits, so I chose a facility that allowed them to be together in the same room with private yard access.  I chose not to allow them to interact with others as it wasn’t their norm.   I also opted for grooming before coming home.   I could tell they enjoyed their “vacation” as we did ours.   

However, I utilize the services of a trusted pet sitter to care for my cats in the home rather than board them since cats are much more sensitive to change and require longer adjustment time.      I cringe every time I see a post on Facebook that someone is looking for a sitter for their pet.  Would you do the same if you needed a child sitter?  Finding a reputable pet sitter requires research and recommendations.  Professional pet sitters have companies with liability policies, trained personnel and visitation options and are usually very expensive.   Private sitters, family members and neighbors, although less expensive, can provide individual attention in the familiar home environment, but may encounter issues that they are not prepared to handle, ie. illness, injury or escape.   It is imperative that whoever you choose to care for your pet have the emergency information of your pet’s veterinarian, rabies vaccination certificate, dog license and who to contact if the pet is lost.  All too often, the shelter will take in a stray that got away from the pet sitter, but he or she cannot redeem the dog because this information is not available.  Nothing like having your vacation interrupted about a missing pet.  

Ultimately, the decision to whom to entrust the care of your pet in your absence is yours. Make that decision wisely for your furry family member(s) and for your peace of mind.  

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