Find Someone You Can Trust

It doesn't matter whether you opt for a professional bird boarding service or pet sitter or if you ask a trusted friend or neighbor to care for your pet while you're away. In either case, preparation is the key to success and relaxation. Start by stocking up on everything your pet will need while you're away. Now is not the time to try a new pet food. You might consider leaving a little money for the caretaker too in case something unexpected comes up or you're forgotten anything.

Put a call in at your veterinarian's office to let him know you're going away and who will be caring for your pet. Let them know your pet sitter is authorized to approve medical treatment if necessary.

Get Your Info Together

Compile a notebook of information containing everything your pet sitter will need to do while you're away. Include emergency phone numbers and the names and numbers of nearby bird-savvy friends if your pet sitter is a novice. If you have a few birds in different cages describe where the cages are, how many birds are in each cage, their names and any special instructions about individual birds. Also include detailed feeding instructions. It's not a bad idea to instruct your pet sitter in the proper way to capture an escaped bird without injury (to the bird or the sitter!) with a large, lightweight towel. Just in case.