There are instances when you have to go abroad or to a faraway place, either for business or pleasure, and leave your pets behind. You actually have 2 options – hire a pet sitter or entrust your pet to a boarding facility. Both of these options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Hire A Pet Sitter
Advantages – Of course, your pet will stay within a known environment. Be reminded that animals are happier if they will stay in familiar places. Second, hiring a pet sitter will ensure that your pet will receive its regular diet; thus, you would not worry about him or her suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses. Third, your pet will receive one-on-one attention from the pet sitter you hired, unlike in a pet boarding facility where each person must divide their attention to a couple of pets. Fourth, you do not have to transport your pets. Fifth, this option will lower risk of illness. You have to understand that being boarded can cause your animal to become ill since there is always a risk of infection, even if all the animals within that facility are properly vaccinated. Lastly, hiring pet sitter will not just allow you to have someone looking at your pet but also someone to look after your house while you are not around.
Disadvantages – If you choose the wrong person to take care both your home and pet, you could be exposing your property to theft. To prevent this from happening, be sure to hire one you trust, a family member, cousin or trusted friend maybe. Also, hiring a pet sitter can be expensive as opposed to the second option.
Use Of A Boarding Facility
Advantages – Surely, your pet won’t be lonely since the facility caters to other pets. Most importantly, your pet will receive a round the clock care. Usually, a boarding facility has someone on hand 24 hours per day. In case your pet will need an immediate attention, this can be your best option.
Disadvantages – This option might impose stress and anxiety to your pet since your pet will be with people he or she doesn’t know. Apart from that, he will be living temporarily in an unfamiliar environment. And when your pet is stressed, there is a higher possibility that he or she will not eat, most especially so if the facility gives him or her different food. In some instances, you can bring along with you your pet’s food so the facility can give him or her similar food.
When it comes to choosing which among these options to opt for, you have to weigh the pros and cons. More information mentioned here.