Have you ever needed somone to watch your little animal friends? We have. Here are all the options we have found to help. I’m placing between $ for cheap and $$$$$ for expensive:
1. Family or Friends – $
This is an awesome option if you have it. I would suggest showing your appreciation by swapping sitting duties or picking up a little gift card or something. Our family and friends are supportive in general, and our two dogs are very lucky to have them as temp families, lol.
2. Pet Sitter in Home – $$ – $$$
If you know an aquaintance that’s good with your pets or find someone trustworthy on Craigslist, having someone check on your pets twice a day in your own home could be a great arrangment. We haven’t tried this method since I always hope our dogs can be somewhere with more daily interaction, but if we had fish, this would be the option for us.
3. Pet Sitter Elsewhere – $$$ – $$$$$
I used to pet sit for people on Craigslist for $15-$20 a night. We met the coolest Shar-Pei by doing this. When we had our Black Lab, our housekeeper took care of her for $100 for the week instead of the $25-$35 a night the other places in the area quoted, and our Lab got a lot of attention. It’s a great option if you can find a reasonabe price in a trustworthy home (if you live around Houston, give me a call).
4. Kennel or Vet – $$$ – $$$$$
Depending on the facility, kennels or vets can be fantastic options or little tiny hell holes…research well if you go this route. I have personally found 2 places in our area that I’d be willing to leave our dogs, but so many of our family and friends like dogs that we haven’t had to try them out yet. That saves us $35-$50 a night for our two furry friends!
What have you done with your animal pals while you are away?
