Community Corner
Vacation Prep: Finding the Right Pet Sitter or Boarding House
If you're leaving a pet behind while you're on vacation, find a solution that you can live with so you'll have peace of mind while you're gone.
By Mary Ann Barton
Summertime means vacations — and sometimes that means leaving your four-legged friends behind.
If it does, you've got several options:
A service called Dogvacay.com has been called "a Match.com for dogs whose owners are out of town." When you visit the site, you plug in your location and the dates you'll be out of town. Dog-sitter contact information and photos will pop up with rates — most range from $20 to $50 per night — with services that are included such as feeding and walking. Be sure to ask for references.
Leaving Your Pet at Home
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters recognized a Northern Virginia pet-sitting service this year. Becky's Pet Care of Alexandria earned the association's Business of the Year Award. Becky's Pet Care and similar services offer dog walks, feeding, administering medications as well as handling small tasks like turning on your lights and bringing in your mail for — in Becky's case — $23 to $40 per visit, depending on the length of the visit.
Here's what Becky's offers:
Summertime means vacations — and sometimes that means leaving your four-legged friends behind.
If it does, you've got several options:
- Hire someone to visit or stay at your house with your pet.
- Board your pet.
- Leave your pet with someone.
A service called Dogvacay.com has been called "a Match.com for dogs whose owners are out of town." When you visit the site, you plug in your location and the dates you'll be out of town. Dog-sitter contact information and photos will pop up with rates — most range from $20 to $50 per night — with services that are included such as feeding and walking. Be sure to ask for references.
Leaving Your Pet at Home
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters recognized a Northern Virginia pet-sitting service this year. Becky's Pet Care of Alexandria earned the association's Business of the Year Award. Becky's Pet Care and similar services offer dog walks, feeding, administering medications as well as handling small tasks like turning on your lights and bringing in your mail for — in Becky's case — $23 to $40 per visit, depending on the length of the visit.
Here's what Becky's offers:
- Walk
- Playtime
- Potty Break
- Report Card
- Fresh Water
- Treat or Lunch
- Lots of TLC!
"In addition, we can administer medicine or provide care for any other household pets, as long as your instructions for that care can be completed within your purchased time allotment. We can also collect mail, alternate lights, and open/close draperies to help your home remain secure in your absence," according to Becky's website.
Boarding Your Pet
If you think your dog socializes well with other dogs, you might consider boarding, where there is likely a dog play area. If you do board your pet, you'll need updated vaccine information ready to hand over. You can also ask your vet if they'll email or fax the information.
There are many boarding facilities throughout Northern Virginia, including the relatively new Board Hound in Shirlington. The Board Hound prides itself on pampering your pet, and has a rooftop play area.
In each case, shopping around could give you peace of mind and save you a few dollars.
What's your pet-sitting solution while you're on vacation? Tell us in the comments below.
If you think your dog socializes well with other dogs, you might consider boarding, where there is likely a dog play area. If you do board your pet, you'll need updated vaccine information ready to hand over. You can also ask your vet if they'll email or fax the information.
There are many boarding facilities throughout Northern Virginia, including the relatively new Board Hound in Shirlington. The Board Hound prides itself on pampering your pet, and has a rooftop play area.
In each case, shopping around could give you peace of mind and save you a few dollars.
What's your pet-sitting solution while you're on vacation? Tell us in the comments below.
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