Pet Sitter duties for 6 day Vacation - Please comment
 

Sadly I must find a pet sitter for my spoiled little guy. He has the best life ever since we are retired and cater to his needs. Unfortunately my usual sitter, my adult daughter, will be traveling with us. So I am looking for someone to care for my boy in my home and water our bonsai. My dilemma is whether I should have someone spend the night in my home with him or just come in 4 - 5 times a day. If I require them to stay the providers are much more limited. I've gone through all my friend resources and am actively interviewing people from Rover.com and some referrals from the Vet's office. I've met some very competent people who are willing to provide care but not stay.

Deuce does not sleep with us in the bed. He has his own bed but we are always here aside from date night or an occasional late night party. He always has his eyes on me. Should I worry about him being alone all night or am I being OCD about my dog?

Thanks!
BTW - Our home is lakefront, swimming and Kayak available off our dock, and we are surrounded by Civil War Historical sites.

Dilemma
 

We have a similar dilemma. I don't like home options (for us) of someone coming and going and our dog being alone all night, someone staying in my house, or my dog staying in someone else's home. We've tried all of these and had some less-than-acceptable results. Our solution was finding a kennel. I won't go into all the reasons we came to the kennel solution, but we have found that by carefully selecting the kennel, doing some day care visits to adjust, and paying for a little extra care (grooming and exercise) that we have more assurance that our dog and home are secure. Yes, you should worry. No, you aren't being OCD. And, you might find as we did that your dog can be flexible and do fine with kenneling and that you'll all be happily reunited after your time away. Good luck!

I'd go for the 24 hour supervision even if your dog has to stay in a kennel or be bored a lot, as long as there is full-time supervision, somebody to check on him every half hour or so. Likely he'll mostly sleep a lot of the time. I just cannot bear to think of my dog home alone should something awful happen - like a seizure, sudden loss of fluids due to vomiting, diarrhea or a house fire or he gets his foot caught tight in an unraveled piece of upholstery(happened to my Scotty when I had cartrouble), etc. No home-alone dog if I can help it.

We had a similar dilemma with Sophie. We are going camping at the end of this month but feel she wouldn't enjoy it/would be stressed out.

Thought about having someone stay with her or having a neighbour come in multiple times a day. Neither one of those ideas made me comfortable because I was nervous to leave her here alone over night or long periods of the day but really don't like the idea of having someone stay in our home overnight. The option of her going to someone else's house wasn't considered because she doesn't like other dogs and can't do stairs and everyone we know has dogs and stairs lol

We ended up booking her into boarding at our vet. They know all of her health issues, they love her and she's happy to be there getting snuggles from them all the time. Costs more than the other two options but our peace of mind and her safety/comfort are worth the extra money.

I would like to know how it goes, which decision you make. We are retired too, and don't do anything because we will not leave our baby. He is our life. I would be worried to death that something would happen, because that would be our luck. The only traveling we do is going to see our daughter (700) miles away a couple times a year, and we take him with us.
Everyone would say we don't have a life, but we have a wonderful Yorkie life.
Best of luck with your decision.

I know Jackson who is also spoiled and with me majority of the time would be MUCH more comfortable in his own home. I'd rather him spend more hours alone and have someone come 3-4x a day but at least be comfortable in his own environment than kennel him. But his personality is very anxious when he is not with me. He would not do well at all in a boarding kennel type situation. I likely would prefer someone to sleep here in case of an emergency however he won't sleep in bed with anyone but me anyway so he would be fine being let out late and then someone coming again in the morning.

I work as a pet sitter. We offer both in persons home overnight as well as overnights in our own homes. The pups love it. I have a dog that comes to my house often and he's basically my 3rd adopted dog LOL. He's treated as a member of the family. The girl I work for has turned her home into an in-home boarding facility. Some get anxious the first night but most love it because it's a house so it doesn't feel so much like a boarding environment. We have bedrooms for each dog/pair of dogs.

I am not terribly far from you! Ha. My biggest issue is that I have Jackson as well so unless I'm able to bring him, I have trouble doing overnights because then I have to stress/worry about leaving him.

We found the perfect solution
 

We had our niece recommend a college student that was a friend. They live in dorms or with parents so moving in wasn't a issue. Had problems the first couple days because she put up the gate so they couldn't go upstairs to sleep and they sat by the door all night (had a nanny cam) I called her and she said she couldn't sleep with them but they all worked it out and everything went smoothly. We were gone for 13 days and I paid her $900 to make it worhwhile. I figured three dogs in a kennel would cost us $60 night so it was a great price for both of us. She's been here two more times since and the dogs love her.

I'm a Rover sitter and have had nothing but great experiences. I only do boarding in our home though. My clients are always so comfy leaving their pets with me bc I work from home - so I'm with them the majority of the time. I text a lot of pics too, so that they can see their kiddos are settled in. So, I wouldn't hesitate to try Rover.

As to whether have someone stay or stop by - I think if you're talking 4-5 x a day - then they really don't have to stay overnight.

Yep you definitely have the same dilemma. Although this vacation is a go and I will just have to work through this, we do not travel much either. I've begun to look at travel trailers as a possibility to include our little man in some adventures. Maybe rent one at first. I'm not much on flying to a destination but I want to see the US. The Grand Canyon and the parks out West are my dream while I can still walk (just had ankle replacement and it's fantastic). Now all I have to do is convince my spouse.

When I do have to kennel, I always use my vet. My vet has boarding and grooming in addition to vet services. Since my vet has all of my babies medical information I do not have to worry about any emergencies because the kennel is next door to the vet office plus they have webcams setup so that I check on my baby. They know Duchess and I feel Duchess is in great hands. However it's expensive as hell but for short term boarding I always use my vet.

Same here, I do the exact same thing. Everyone at the vets knows her plus you get the added peace of mine of having them know all of your babie's medical history.

vet boarding
 

Unfortunately, our vet doesn't do boarding but we board at the practice he was in before he set up his own practice. They are getting to know our dog, but the reason we didn't choose them as our vet practice is that they are very large and you don't really know if you'll see the same vet or vet techs every time. We preferred to see the same vet. We used to board our other pets at a different practice we went to that offered boarding, but with that set up the dogs barked incessantly and our new kennel the dogs are quiet and calm.


We've run into new problem in our area. Kennel space is at a premium so people overbook ahead because there is no penalty for cancellation. So the kennel will show they are booked full and have last minute openings. We won't plan for our dog that way, so it has limited our choices for one upcoming trip.

I work as a pet sitter. We offer both in persons home overnight as well as overnights in our own homes. The pups love it. I have a dog that comes to my house often and he's basically my 3rd adopted dog LOL. He's treated as a member of the family. The girl I work for has turned her home into an in-home boarding facility. Some get anxious the first night but most love it because it's a house so it doesn't feel so much like a boarding environment. We have bedrooms for each dog/pair of dogs.

I am not terribly far from you! Ha. My biggest issue is that I have Jackson as well so unless I'm able to bring him, I have trouble doing overnights because then I have to stress/worry about leaving him.[/QUOTE]

Hey isn't your Jackson a swimmer? He'd love it here!

Yes, in interviewing pet sitters many have their own animals to care for. So finding a home situation without other pets is challenging. Deuce is not used to being around other dogs except my daughters yorkie. But I will keep at it . I have expanded my search to the teacher community since many do not go back until the last week of August. I'll keep you informed.

You and your family are all so sweet! It's definitely a wonderful Yorkie life! And anyone who thinks otherwise has never owned a Yorkie :)

The first time we travelled for 5-6 days, we left Scottie with a friend of ours who also has a Yorkie. Now when we travel, I leave both of them with my mom. I find it so hard to trust anyone else. I would never let someone live in my home. And I've had bad experiences with kennels with my past dog.

I say go with the travel trailor! :D No baby left behind! haha

Are you travelling by plane or by car? How come he can't come with you? And, who's taking care of your daughter's yorkie?

See, every dog is different. Jackson would have a straight up panic attack if he had to stay at the vets office. He barely made it when he had to stay one night for a hospital/stomach visit. He came back to me with his anal glands expressed (scared), panting, very shaken up and traumatized. He doesn't even like walking in to a place that smells like a vet (he avoids the corners of Petsmart where there is a Benfield lol). He would legit be so traumatized lol. I'd 100% rather have him be able to stay home and have a pet sitter pop in a few times. Hell I even got a mobile groomer for him to make it easier on him and he still freaks out lol. And no he's not abused. ;) Just a weirdo. 90% of the time he's not like this but vets/groomers/etc bring out his worst anxiety.

Which dates will you be gone if you don't mind me asking? Yes, Jax loves to swim! He's also used to being with other dogs since I've been pet sitting for so long. No guarantee I'll be available but if there's an emergency where you can't find anyone, you can keep me in mind for sure. :)

Well for this vacation we are going to a timeshare at the beach. We travel by car. We have owned it there for about 30 years. We love the place but they are strict about pets. I have to say I understand. If someone brought a cat or lab in there I would be on my inhaler for days. My daughter's mother in law is taking her dog but she's (the mother in law) not very friendly so I'm not going there - if you know what I mean.

Hey Brit I know what you mean about freaking out at the vet's office. Deuce is all happy in the carseat and I tell him we're going to see the girls. He thinks he's going to the beauty salon with me. But when he catches a wiff of the place he puts the brakes on. Just hates it. I also don't want to board him in a boarding facility since he had a reaction when he had the kennel cough nasal immunization. He never reacted to it before but last year the poor guy got a cough from it. I will not give that to him again so I avoid those kind of environments. I do my own grooming so he doesn't have to be in that environment either. I have two interviews next week and I will just keep going through the local listings on rover.

I have had to unexpectedly travel A LOT since October. In my experience, it's best for *my* dog to stay here, in my apartment, and have someone she knows well stay with her- most times, it's been the same person, one she knows and loves (loves like family, she slept in the bed with them and everything) and who didn't work, so could give her lots and lots of attention. She kept up our routine of going to the same parks and pet stores. That is ideal, but I have some travel coming up for which this person is not available, so I am also trying to decide the best option for Moxie. I even just got a roommate in the former guest room (who was also a rover.com sitter while in graduate school), in part because I've been away so much that it's crazy to pay for a two bedroom when half the time it's just my dog sitter, in part because I want there to be someone Mox knows when I go away, even if they aren't her full time caretaker. The travel should stop after October, and now, if I have to go anywhere for more than a month, I've decided I will just take her unless she'd have to be in quarentine.

I think what works best varies depending on the individual dog. Moxie likes to be an only child and likes people better than dogs, so I decided on a sitter I know and trusted to stay here with her. Last year, the one time I went away without her, I boarded her, and I prefer this. Whatever you do, I think it's important to introduce the dog to the situation beforehand. Moxie met and played with the sitter before I left.

The problem is, of course, no one will take care of your dog like you will, often even if they love them. She's gained a few because everyone except me will give her treats and people food because she's so cute. Now she's turning her nose up at her normal food because her sitter only fed her chicken breast for the past two weeks!! She's having some accidents because sitters will let her get away with more. That will take some work the weight gain is what worries me the most because that affects her health.

I'm beyond grateful I've been able to see such amazing places and spend time in other countries, but unless you have TONS OF MONEY (like enough to fly private or first class and always stay in pet friendly hotels and hire a dog nanny on the road), it's not great for your pet. I will miss the adventure but I have missed my girl much more and look forward to always being there for her again.

Well I'm still moving forward on my search for a pet sitter through Rover.com. I've taken to keeping notes on each person I contact to keep my brains from getting scrambled. So far I've corresponded with 7 people had one interview and have another interview tomorrow. The person I interviewed was very competent and Deuce loved her. Unfortunately she just started a new day job so her schedule is not set nor flexible so she would not be able to make mid-day potty visits. I have also posted on Care.com. and 3 people have responded to my ad. I haven't gotten back to them yet but will after Tomorrow's interview. I also have a couple teachers who work with a friend of mine and are still on summer break who are interested. The downside on them is I don't know if they ever cared for an animal. I would rather use one of these services that somewhat monitor who they represent and have people who are doing the job because they like animals.

So does anyone know what I'm going to end up paying for this? The pricing varies with the person but it looks like around $35 per night. Then do I have to pay for day by how many times he goes out? Are there additional fees that go to Rover? I sure hope I don't get priced out of this after all this time and energy. I've been searching daily since 6/1.

Decision comment!
 

So I have two sitter choices right now. A - I interviewed a very nice young lady who works out of Rover.com. She's been doing it for about 1 1/2 years. Has sat for a few clients and did local walking. No specific training per se but intends to make this her career. She did cancel the first day we scheduled the interview due to "stomach problems". Deuce flirted with her. I asked her to send me two references to contact.

B - A teaching colleague of a good friend of mine is interested in watching Deuce. My friend knows her for several years and respects her. She will come with her college age daughter. They have taken care of dogs before for people in her townhouse development. Both overnight and as walkers since she has summers off. I will meet with her next week so Deuce can interact.

Would you go with someone you don't know at all but is starting out in the business or a person (adult) and (Young adult) daughter who a friend knows with some dog experience?

PS - I used to be a teacher. I know if you can handle kids in the classroom everyday you can handle Deuce.

I would go with the dog-savviest, more responsible of the two. Ideally, chose the one who you judge knows dogs best, knows how quick they are, knows how to recognize a dog with a problem and won't spend any time they're walking your dog or coming in/out outside doors distracted by texting or chatting on the phone, etc. Good luck!

I vote B. We had a friend of my niece. Worked out great! And she worked at a doggy daycare too!

Personally, I'd go w/ the Rover option, and not just bc I'm an experienced Rover sitter. I like the Rover option bc it's insured, the sitter is background check and has gone thru some Rover training, all Rover sitters have access to emergency help from Rover if needed, and all the money is handled by Rover and HELD from the sitter until the visit is completed.

Also, if the Rover person really *does* want to do this as part of a career...then I think the motivation would be there to do a really good job.

As far as Rover prices, they should be spelled out very clearly on each person's page - so I'm not entirely sure what's not clear there...?

[QUOTE=As far as Rover prices, they should be spelled out very clearly on each person's page - so I'm not entirely sure what's not clear there...?[/QUOTE]

Well Rover lists t prices for dog is walks, for house sitting, for overnight, etc. I thought you had to add all that up. Actually during the interview the Rover person clarified the fee. I was comfortable with it. I have one more person to interview.

Thanks for the comments.

Hired!!!
 

I ended up interviewing another person who was a school counselor/part time dog sitter/care giver/plant waterer/personal assistant during school vacations. She lives nearby. Nice person too.

RESULTS: I ended up hiring the Rover sitter for the August Vacation but also hired the school counselor for plant watering when we go away periodically. We have all these bonsai trees and just can't take them on vacation with us anymore. I still would like to get a travel trailer but need to work on that idea with the hubby. The Rover sitter will come for training next month so Deuce can get to know her a few times before we have to leave him. I'm feeling good about our choice and think this will work out fine.

With Bella's dietary restrictions and meds, we don't let strangers keep our dynamic duo. For a recent trip to go back and see my dad for a couple of weeks, we rented a small RV and drove them. The larger space and ability to move around a bit made it seem better for them than a car and we were able to have our babies with us. I have said in other posts, but the rule of thumb for us is if the girls can't make it, then neither can we.

Amen if my boy can't go then we can't!