Leaving your pet behind when family vacation rolls around can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Which begs the question: who do I leave my fur baby with? That’s an easy solution - a local pet sitter! Hiring a vetted pet sitter from a local company can help manage the guilt of leaving your dog behind and they get to stay in the environment that keeps them comfortable while you’re gone.

But why choose a professional in-home sitter over a kennel? For starters, they’re professionals for a reason. They may be a stranger coming into your home to look after your fur baby, but they know exactly what to look out for, how to care for your dog and what to do if anything out of the ordinary would start to happen. On top of that, they are great at following schedules and making sure your dog gets the exercise and attention they need. They won’t be a stranger for long!

But the benefits of an in-home pet sitter doesn’t stop with just those pros - check out some other benefits of hiring a local pet sitter to help you out while you’re away and can’t bring Fido to play!

Your dog gets to stay in the comfort of their own home. No new noises, no new sleeping area and best of all, no new environment! Having a sitter come to your house means your pup gets to stay put in the environment they are happy, relaxed and comfortable in while you’re away. Making it a little easier to be guilt free while your pup has to stay home without you.

Sitters can help with house chores. On top of taking care of your dog, house sitters can also help with some of the house chores while you’re away such as mail and package retrieval, watering plants, keeping the lights on or off and putting out the trash. While they may seem like small chores, it’s enough to put you at ease that things are still in routine while you’re away. 

You have a sense of security. Instead of obsessively checking your cameras while you’re away from your house, you can have a sense of security knowing a pet sitter is coming and going throughout the day, constantly checking on your dog and your house. You also don’t have to feel guilty during the night hours, especially overnight, because your pet sitter stays with your dog throughout so they aren’t alone!

Pet sitting is more personal. You set the schedule and the routine for each day, which means individualized care with direct directions from you! You also know that your dog is getting lots of one-on-one attention with a pet sitter. Pet sitters typically like to send “pup-dates” on your dog as well, so you get more one-on-one communication about your dog and how things are going.

They come to you. No drop off and no pick up, which means no fighting with traffic to make specific times. You have the convenience of only needing to go home instead of making extra trips to another place. Which also saves you some packing for Fido!

Anxious pets can relax more. If you have an anxious dog, this is a great way for them to relax in an environment that they are comfortable with instead of being taken to a new place with new surroundings, sounds and possibly tastes. Sometimes the constant barking of other dogs at the kennel can make it harder for dogs who aren’t used to that amount of noise. 

There is a reduced risk of catching illnesses. Although each dog needs to be vaccinated before entering a kennel, there is still a high risk of your dog catching another illness from another canine friend such as kennel cough or canine influenza. Having a sitter greatly reduces that risk since there are no other furry friends at home, except the ones your dog is already used to. 

Letting someone else care for your fur-baby can be a little scary; after all, you know best. But one of the good things about a pet sitter is that you get to meet them before they come to your house and give them the run down. Your local pet sitters are professionals for a reason; they know what they’re doing and they’re in the business to help you and your dog have the best experience. So the next time you have to vacation without your furry friend, just know that your local pet sitter is ready to help keep everyone’s nerves at bay.

Here at Going Mutts Pet Services, we understand the importance of your furry friend and trust.  Here are some more great reasons to hire us:

• All of our sitters are background checked employees

• You get to meet the sitter at a free no obligation Meet ‘n Greet to chat about your dog’s typical routine.

• Sitters send daily text “pup-dates” with photos to keep in communication throughout their stay

• All sitters have completed a Red Cross certified CPR and first aid course online specifically designed for cats and dogs

We are ready to be your first choice for a local pet sitter to give you peace of mind while you have to be away from your fur-baby. Our Meet ‘n Greets are our way of making sure you and your pup are comfortable and have given us everything needed to make your experience as smooth as possible. Your dog will receive lots of one-on-one attention and never ending belly rubs and snuggles! Contact us today to discuss your local pet needs.