For the third year, PetsitUSA is pleased to be part of the Pet’Net blogging event.

I grew up with pets and having to take their needs into consideration is something that is second nature to me. But, for many people who adopt a pet after never having one, it can be a bit of an adjustment. It’s likely things will come up that you hadn’t even considered. As a lifelong pet person though, I can tell you, having a constant companion, always eager to give you unconditional love makes it all worthwhile!

A potential adopter will need to consider quite a few things before adopting a pet. Some of these things include deciding what type/breed to adopt, what to feed, where the pet will sleep, training, veterinary care, and much, much more. Deciding who will care for your pet when you can’t do it yourself is another. There may be times when you need to work late or leave town for work or vacation. If you’ adopt a puppy or young dog, it may just mean the little guy needs a break while you’re at work every day. And, although nobody wants to think about it, if you’re in an emergency situation you’ll want someone you can rely on to care for your pets.

Regardless of the type of pet you adopt, it’s important to think ahead when it comes to providing stand-in care for your pet. Here are some options available to pet owners:

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers

For most pets this is going to be the best choice. Pet sitters and dog walkers can make life pretty easy for you and your pets. The fact that they come to your home to care for your cat, dog, or other pets means your pets will be comfortable in their own home, with their familiar surroundings. They’ll be able to sleep in their own bed, eat their regular food, and be kept on a routine as close to their usual routine as possible.

Hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to do mid-day visits for puppies and active dogs. This way your dog gets out for a needed potty break, but it also helps break up the boredom of being home alone for hours on end.

For more information on pet sitters, how to choose one, and how to make the most of your pet sitter/pet owner relationship see our Pet Owner Resources section on PetsitUSA.

Boarding Kennels

This is an option many people choose for dogs that have separation anxiety or are too protective of their home environment to allow a pet sitter in the home. A stay in a kennel can also be a good way for your dog to interact with other dogs if he is dog-friendly. Although staying home is normally the best choice for cats, some kennels have separate boarding facilities for cats.

In-Home Boarding

Taking your pet to the someone else’s home is another option available to pet owners. This may be a friend or someone who offers this as a business. If you do choose this option, be sure to visit the home and ask what precautions will be taken to keep your pet safe, if there are kids, other pets, etc.

Friends and Relatives

It may seem like asking a friend or relative to care for Fido or Fluffy would be the best bet. However, friends and relatives may feel obligated to say yes to your request to leave Fido or Fluffy with them while you’re away. This may result in care that’s not quite up to your standards. For this reason it’s best to have someone with a pet care business care for your pets. Most often they will be insured, will often be trained in pet first aid, and will have protocols in place to deal with aspects of the care-giving. Having a business relationship with your pet’s caregiver also gives you more freedom to expect a certain quality of care that you may not feel comfortable expressing with a friend or family member.

There really is no one right choice for pet care. Although, after so many years in the pet sitting business, I am sorely biased and believe an in-home pet sitter is the best choice for the majority of pets. Ultimately though, your choice will depend on your needs, what you’re comfortable with, and what will be best for your pet. Regardless of the type of care you decide on though, it’s wise to have something in place before you need it. Trying to find a kennel or pet sitter at the last minute can be stressful, if not impossible. This is especially true around the holidays. So when you adopt your new pet it’s a good idea to take a look at the various options to see what will work best for you and your new pet.

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