[JasonSears78]

My wife wife and I love traveling and often struggle in figuring out how to ensure our two cute pups are cared for.

We have a list of friends who watch them for us, but often they are busy or unable to watch them. Plus, we start to feel guilty if we ask them too much. We prefer not use kennels because they are not what our pups are used to - too stressful, and frankly, too expensive.

We have found some online sites that connect you with sitters, but they aren't that big and the prices are similar to the kennels.

Anyone know of other options? Anyone else out there like us?

 

[trickpony]

You could travel to dog friendly places
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[Loraura]

Get an RV and take them with you!

 

[Grabby]

Try asking at your vet's office. They often know of people who pet sit.

 

[Pax]

I travel a ton and always look for good options for my Puppy. Almost all of my leads have come from conversations with fellow dog owners. I have found a few good sitters through Dogvaycay.com. Yes, they are usually someone at their home but the ones I use have two to three dogs max and they get attention 24/7 as opposed to being stuck in a cage or run and only getting out a few times as day. I much prefer that to the kennel even if it is the same price.

My next best option is a farm where they have about 10 dogs but they all get to run and play in a large contained field which is perfect for Pax.

Ask your vet, ask friends and ask folks at the pet stores who they use and recommended. I have found some great leads and some that would not be the right fit for Pax but I have now lined up a few good options depending on my trip.

 

[pkelley]

I am a Dogvacay and Rover sitter....yep, with my vacationers 24/7...although I have noticed some dog sitters work and then go home to take care of the dogs afterwork...I love it and get to nurture and play all day long, lol. There should be a lot of "hosts" around where you live...and there is also free pet insurance should something happen during their "stay". Send them to me!

 

[DuckDodgers]

If you are traveling frequently and expect friends to sit your dogs then I think it is appropriate to pay them. Perhaps not as much as you would a boarding kennel, but it only seems fair. After all, they are doing you a huge favor and saving you a ton of money in boarding fees. The only people's animals that I will watch for free are my parents (or other immediate family, though I don't have any in the area) or occasionally when a friend will ask me to pop in and feed/let out his dogs once every few months. He does the same for mine, so it evens out!

You'll still want to have some backup ideas in case your friends are unable or unwilling in a pinch. Ask around your dog friends and they may be able to recommend some good pet sitters. My parents have a couple of college aged girls that they call when they need someone. They do pay them, though. As a last resort I would have a boarding kennel on backup. Just in case something comes up and you are unable to find anyone else.
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