Dog sitters can range from neighbors who occasionally check on your dog while you are gone, to full service dog day cares. What you need will depend on several factors, including the length of time you are away each day, the level of attention your dog needs, most important, what you are comfortable with for the needs of your dog.
If you are going to be out of town for an extended day, or if you frequently work long hours and are concerned about your dog being in the house alone, you may want to consider hiring a responsible teen neighbor as a dog sitter. Another option is perhaps asking a neighbor who works from home or works on a different shift than you do. There are many companies that also offer dog sitting services on a daily, weekly, or extended basis.
Dog day care can be a great alternative to leaving your pooch at home alone all day. Dog day care provides care for your dog during the day, while you are at work or otherwise engaged. Dogs are social animals and benefit from being around other dogs and humans, rather than home alone all day. Many owners find that their dogs behave better at home when they spend their days at a dog day care. Not having to worry about your dog being home alone is a huge convenience for many dog owners.
Services offered by dog sitters and dog day cares vary. Dog sitters may only walk and feed your dog; other services may spend dedicated play time with your dog. Some frequently provided dog day care services include socialization, training, playtime, bathing, and grooming. Some facilities offer services only during “regular business hours,” generally from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some facilities also offer overnight boarding as well. Some dog day care facilities even offer pickup and drop off services.
Whether selecting a dog sitter or a dog day care service, look for someone that comes with recommendations from other dog owners or your vet. Endorsement by the Better Business Bureau is a good sign. A dog day care facility should be clean and well-run, with plenty of time spent both indoors and out (weather permitting, of course). Dogs should be well-supervised at all times.
Be sure your dog is current on all vaccinations before hiring a dog sitter or taking her to a dog day care. Either service should require this; if it doesn’t, look elsewhere!
Find a dog sitter you are comfortable with. Ask about the training the staff receives, policies of the company, and staff-to-dog ratio at dog day cares (there should be no more than 10-15 dogs per staff member, fewer is even better). Depending on the location and services offered, dog day care sitters can cost as little as $5 to $50 or more per day.
Ask plenty of questions to be sure the dog sitting situation is right for your dog. Spend time observing the sitter or day care providers with other dogs and ask if you can introduce your dog for a “trial visit” with any potential dog sitters.
