| Part I: What Really Happens at the Kennel?To better | | | | instructed.Your dog will have a human contact which |
| understand the benefits of hiring a professional pet | | | | is extremely important for these social animals. He will |
| sitter, let's look at the reality of keeping your dog in | | | | continue his normal playtime routines as well as |
| a kennel while you are away. Please keep in mind | | | | scheduled walks."Playing ball" is very important for |
| that these generalizations are based on the | | | | some active dogs. One couldn?t expect that type of |
| experiences of the author and may not represent | | | | attention or commitment from a boarding facility; |
| every boarding facility.The first thing you want to | | | | however, your Pet Sitter could easily toss a disc or |
| consider is the care your dog will receive. In a kennel, | | | | throw a ball around the yard.Another key benefit to |
| your dog may be exposed to sick pets and parasites | | | | your dog is a Pet Sitter can administer medications |
| due to the close proximity of the boarders.Your dog | | | | for your sick, elderly, or injured dog while you are |
| may be staying in a stacked cage with several other | | | | away. They can also tend to your dog in the event |
| barking, whining, and crying dogs. This can be a | | | | of an emergency and ensure he receives the |
| stressful event for your dog, especially since he is | | | | attention of your veterinarian.While a Pet Sitter may |
| not in his familiar surroundings in the first place.If you | | | | provide light grooming assistance such as daily |
| have a larger dog, he will probably be in a run. The | | | | brushing of long-haired dogs, they may also provide |
| run probably has a concrete floor for easy clean up | | | | pet taxi service. This means that your dog will be |
| from messes. Will your dog sleep on a warm blanket | | | | able to maintain grooming and veterinarian |
| or a hard floor?When the lights go out, will he be sad | | | | appointments in your absence.That is definitely |
| because he is not in his home and does not have his | | | | something to consider if you are deployed in the |
| family? Will his stress result in diarrhea, vomiting, or a | | | | military or will otherwise be detained for any length |
| bloody stool? Will he lose weight from refusing to | | | | of time. If you do set up taxi service, take the time |
| eat? Believe it or not, these are common stress | | | | to set up appropriate authorizations with your service |
| symptoms of boarded dogs.You should also know | | | | providers. This will ensure that once your dog |
| that Kennel Attendants are paid at about the same | | | | reaches his destination, he will receive service.Another |
| rate as fast food workers. The low rate of pay | | | | benefit for your dog is that he will not be exposed |
| contributes to high turnover and a younger | | | | to sick animals. He will not come home with fleas or |
| workforce. Some of your kennel staff may be | | | | kennel cough. He will have his own personal |
| inexperienced and learning on your dog.Finally, | | | | babysitter in the comfort of his own home.In addition |
| consider one more thing that happens at the kennel. | | | | to personalized pampering, you might be surprised |
| Routine! Of course, it is not your dog's routine where | | | | that Pet Sitters provide additional services to give |
| he gets personal attention, touch and affection, | | | | you peace of mind while you are away. Pet Sitters |
| playtime, walks, and potty relief when he asks. It is | | | | may provide services such as turning on lights in the |
| the routine of the business that is followed.Your dog | | | | house in the evening, bringing in the mail and |
| will probably be let out to potty while the kennel | | | | newspapers as well as watering houseplants. In other |
| staff freshens up his cage/run. Then, he will | | | | words, they can actually double as house-sitters.If |
| immediately return to his cage for his food and water | | | | you add up the potential pitfalls of boarding your dog |
| where he may stay until the process is repeated in | | | | in a kennel and the benefits of contracting the |
| the evening.The attention your dog gets in a | | | | services of a Professional Pet Sitter, you will quickly |
| boarding facility depends on several uncontrollable | | | | realize why the demand for Pet Sitters is growing |
| factors such as the number of dogs currently | | | | and why a Pet Sitter may be the best choice for |
| boarded, the experience of the staff, and the | | | | you.Part III: How to Find a Pet SitterSo, how do you |
| protocol established for caring for the animals. Would | | | | find a Pet Sitter? Look in local newspapers, |
| you rather ensure your dog receives personal | | | | veterinary clinic bulletin boards, and internet listings. |
| attention while you are away?Part II: How a | | | | You are sure to find someone in your area. You |
| Professional Pet Sitter Can HelpA Professional Pet | | | | should interview the prospective sitter to ensure |
| Sitter provides personalized care for your dog in his | | | | they have appropriate credentials and insurance.The |
| own environment where he feels safe. Dogs are | | | | National Association of Professional Pet Sitters was |
| territorial pack animals. He understands his boundaries | | | | founded in 1989 to provide Pet Sitters a code of |
| and position in the pack at home.He may feel | | | | ethics, education and support. Pet Sitters International |
| insecure, unsafe, and uncertain of his position when | | | | was founded with similar goals in 1994. Membership in |
| he is not at home. Uncertainty results in physical and | | | | a professional organization generally means your |
| emotional stress for your dog.A Pet Sitter will ensure | | | | prospective sitter is qualified, organized, and |
| your dog's normal routine is maintained. He will be able | | | | dedicated to providing the best possible care for |
| to go potty whenever he needs to go. He will be fed | | | | your dog. |
| his normal diet plus any special treats as | | | | |