How to Find the Right Person to Watch Your Dog

It's a good idea to find someone to watch your pet before you actually need their services. If you are rushed and need to find someone fast it will not give you the time you need to properly research any prospective places or people to watch your dog.

You have basically three options:
1. Go to a kennel.
2. Have a friend or family member watch your dog.
3. Hire a professional pet sitter.

Each option has its pros and cons.

A kennel is a very reliable place to bring your dog. A well-established kennel will make sure that your dog is safe, comfortable and well cared for. A good kennel will also have someone on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It's a good idea to check out the kennel before you leave your dog there. Ask for a tour of the facility and look around. Is it clean? Do the dogs look well cared for and happy? Do they have temperature controls?

Having a friend or family member watch your dog is another option and often works out great. It mostly depends on the age of the person coming over to take care of your dog. When I owned a kennel, one of my customers informed me that they had asked a young nephew to watch their dog and it turned into a bad situation. The problem with having a friend or family member taking care of a dog is that if anything happens to the dog it can create tension between everyone involved.

Professional pet sitters are a very good option, especially if you have an older dog; going to a kennel can be stressful so it's often better for an older dog to stay home. A good pet sitter will have a good reputation and most provide other services such as taking in your mail and turning lights on and off. They can also take care of other pets such as fish, birds and gerbils.

To find a good kennel or pet sitter you can start with your phone book. Also call other people in the pet business such as dog trainers, pet groomers and veterinarians. The Internet is another way to look for someone in your area.

Once you have made a list, contact each one and either tour the boarding kennel or get more information and a visit from the pet sitter.