Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

National Pet Sitters Week

Dave Hogg [Flickr]

Keeping your pets happy and maybe even entertained while you're away is something a pet sitter may  be able to do, with or without a bird video!

******************* 

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long Spring Break trip, it’s great to relax and enjoy a change in your routine. But for pet owners, it may not be so relaxing if you’re not sure what to do with your furry buddy while you’re away.

One option is to board your pet. There are some great boarding facilities, with folks who take really good care of their guests. But some animals can be stressed in a kennel situation, no matter how good the people are. For those animals, it might be better to leave them at home in the care of someone you trust to look after them while you’re away.

I have a wonderful friend who takes great care of my four-footed family members when I am out of town. I would be especially reluctant to board my elderly cat. If my friend were not available, I might consider hiring a professional pet sitter.

Allowing pets to stay at home has a lot of benefits. They are in a comfortable, familiar environment, eating their regular food and getting some attention. Having someone come and go regularly will help keep your belongings safer, and a pet sitter may even pick up the mail, the paper and water your plants.

Some professional pet sitters are licensed and bonded. Many have special training in things like first aid for pets. But you need to be careful to hire someone dependable and qualified. The PetMD website offers some suggestions for finding a good pet sitter.

Start by asking your veterinarian and your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Make a list of questions you want to ask, including experience, expertise, references and the cost. And before you hire a sitter make a date for the person to meet your pet so you can see how the two of them get along.

This is National Professional Pet Sitters Week, a time to remind owners to make sure their animals are safely cared for by people who are dedicated to the well-being of pets. When you find the right person to care for your pet, you can have peace of mind while you’re away, knowing your best friend is comfortable, happy and safe - at home - when you’re speaking of pets.

__>^..^<__

Mindy Norton has been “Speaking of Pets” on Alabama Public Radio since 1995.
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.