Pet Sitting in Sandton Johannesburg must knows before going away. Planning a trip is overwhelming enough without worry about what to do with your pets while you’re gone.
If like me, your pets, whatever they are, are a part of your family.
I can’t simply leave them behind with just anyone. Before I go on my trip I must put my mind at ease and feel confident in the care they will get during my absence.
Whether to board or hire a Pet Sitter is one of the questions we ask ourselves.
Adding to the mixed feelings of the moment is the idea that we may not know much about either option.
To help you make an informed conclusion I prepared this list of pros and cons or what I call, the good and the bad.
Hopefully it’s a fair and impartial list, although you probably know which way I’m going to lean.
It should serve as a good starting point for anyone wanting to get more details about either choice.
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
Good
- This is a added benefit If you’re leaving town for any period of time because you have the advantage of a professionally insured and bonded Pet Sitter visiting your house regularly.
- A good Pet Sitter or dog walker will watch over your house, turn on or off any lights, bring in the mail, and generally ensure that the house looks lived in. This alone can be a big deterrent to possible burglars.
- A Pet Sitter will most likely have general knowledge of many different kinds of pets and not just cats and dogs.
- I have cared for birds, turtles, hamsters, fishes, and rabbits, to name a few, and have a very good idea on how to care for each.
- Generally dogs and cats feel safe, less anxious, and more secure in comfortable and familiar environments as opposed to a kennel transfer.
- Pets can get extra play time and individual attention with a Pet Sitter without the extra charge that kennels often bill you.
- A Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker will be First Aid and CPR certified and qualified to deal with most emergencies as well as be able to administer medication on a regular schedule.
- Certain pets such as puppies, kittens, seniors or disabled dogs, or those on medication may require a more regulated schedule and intense care and supervision.
- A dog who has separation issues or is reactive to other dogs will certainly be better off with a Pet Sitter than in a kennel.
Bad
- Dogs that don’t take well to other humans, at least initially, will have a difficult time adjusting to a stranger.
- Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers charge by the hour or by 30 to 15 minutes increments of time. This can add up and ultimately become pricier than boarding.
- Pet Sitting is a very easy business to set up with very little restrictions.
- This means that in the mix with some highly qualified, caring, responsible, care providers you’re also bound to find many unprofessional, uneducated, smooth talkers who are looking to make a quick buck.
Kennel
Good
- Some newer kennels are more like resorts for your pet and operate very differently to the old variety of kennels.
- Some dogs do very well in kennels and love the interaction with other dogs.
Bad
- Some dogs do not take well to a kennel environment.
- They may not even eat much during their stay since their anxiety can reach a very high level.
- Many kennels are old and in need of major upgrades. Some look no different then dog shelters of 15 to 20 years ago.
- Pets at kennels are prone to contraction/exposure to infections and viruses like Kennel cough, distemper, and other intestinal parasites.
- Some kennels are professional operations, many others are not and contribute towards making any fear ,anxiety or separation issues worse.
- A busy kennel can be loud and high energy.
- This can over stimulate your dog and contribute to heightened stress levels.
- Staff at kennels are not always educated about dogs behavior or body language and don’t pick up on when a dog is showing signs of stress and anxiety.
- Not every dog or cat gets the attention they require.
- some animals are left alone long periods of time in highly stressful environments.
- In some cases for added attention or play time they will charge extra.
- Cats typically stress far more at kennels then in their own homes.
Most ideal
Ideally you want to select a service which you feel is the best option for your pet. Hopefully, your decision wont be based solely on price, but it is something you need to consider. It is important to keep in mind these simple points when making your decision regarding your pets care.
Request a Quote and BOOK A PET SITTER .
Please like our Facebook Page and follow us on twitter.
Source: The Hyper Pup
Image Source: Austin Pet Sitter
