Love the idea of travel, but constantly holding back because of your furry friends? Leaving behind a beloved pet while you head out for either business or leisure can feel a bit like you're letting them down, but with proper planning you can set your guilt aside and enjoy the time you are gone.

A good pet sitter, or even a boarding facility can provide not only peace of mind, but also amazing care to a wide array of 2 and 4 legged clients. Consider which type of care is truly in your pet’s best interest before making a final decision, but know that in house care comes with a multitude of benefits you definitely want to consider.

With the country opening up, you are probably chomping on the bit to get on the road, which is the perfect opportunity to hire a professional to care for your furry friends. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is an excellent place to start when considering if you want to welcome a sitter into your home.

Pets and Travel

Even though many pets make amazing travel companions, it isn’t always conducive to have your pet with you. Business travel, overseas travel, and trips that will have you spending long amounts of time away from where you are staying can make a sad, and depressed pet and also cause undo stress or inconvenience. On these occasions, it’s best to consider a service that can provide exactly what your pet needs.

Benefits of In-Home Pet Sitting

It is very much in your best interest to consider hiring a pro to care for your animals in their home setting. This experience is incredibly beneficial to both you and your pets. Obviously, before you make a decision on the best care for your pets, you need to take a look at what services are offered, made easy using the NAPPS website. Plus, just like with any business or individual you would hire, reviews and references are easily obtainable to find the perfect match for your needs.

With an association like NAPPS, you know you are receiving a network of service providers from some of the best in the business. With access to education, resources, and support, members portray professional conduct at all times and are constantly working on educational and business development to offer the best care and resources possible.

For Your Pet

There are a multitude of benefits your pet will get when you hire an in-house sitter. Plus, if you have animals that are more unusual, such as parrots, fish, ferrets, or sometimes even livestock, you will need to consider that these are not generally easy to board away from home, and your options are much more limited. Having a person at your house helps ensure your pet is in their home environment.

• Exercise regimens are often a part of home services, or offered as add-ons. Dog walking and play time with cats allows them to get exercise while you are gone and helps them burn energy. This allows for personalized attention and play time with favored or new toys.
• Standing veterinary services don’t have to be cancelled or put on hold either since many home sitters also offer transportation services if needed. This is especially important if you have pets with special needs, or if medical care becomes necessary. Medication schedules are also generally going to be better adhered to when you have a personalized service.
• Your pet will also get the nutrition and diet needs they are dependent on, as well as keeping to a feeding schedule if you have one. Many animals do struggle with eating when boarded away from home, but being able to stay in a familiar setting will help them keep an appetite.
• Grooming appointments or needs can also easily be met either directly from the sitter, or via a transportation service. This is especially helpful if you don’t want to lose a coveted grooming timeslot, or have an animal that needs regular brushing or trims for their health.
• Anxiety and stress is less likely to be an issue when an animal is allowed to stay in their own environment. If your pet has separation issues, or has been destructive when left alone in the past, an in-home sitter is going to help keep those issues at bay with regular visits.

For You

Not only is your animal going to get the attention they deserve, you are going to receive complete peace of mind that you have a constant line of communication if needed, and somebody watching out for not only your pets, but your home as well.

• Having regular coming and goings at your house makes it less of a target for anyone looking for vacationers to take advantage of. Vehicles in the driveway, changes in lighting, curtains, and other small things indicate somebody is home.
• Optional overnight care is also often offered in the case you have elderly, young, or high anxiety animals. This allows you to know accidents or repairs caused by chewing or other destructive behaviors will not have to be something you need to deal with when you return.
• If you have plants, you also can often take advantage of having a home sitter there on a regular basis for watering purposes. They may even gather mail, put out trash, or do other small chores you want taken care of so everything is in order upon your return.

Ready to Travel?

If you have been on the edge concerning leaving behind your animals, or have struggled with which choice is best for your household, hopefully this article has helped define your options a bit better. In-home sitting has been growing immensely over the last few decades as more and more people appreciate the benefits that are provided, and it definitely should be a consideration before you make a final decision.