The whole idea behind a vacation is relaxation. Relaxing is difficult if you’re concerned about your pet back home. The ideal housing situation for a pet while you’re away is a problem that many pet owners face. So what are some of the best options?

Hire a Pet Sitter

A pet sitter is a person who stays in your home throughout your vacation or who visits throughout the day. One of the biggest benefits of a pet sitter is that they allow your pet to stay in a familiar environment. If your pet is sedentary or in an enclosed space – lizard, goldfish or, dare I say, a Tarantula – then having somebody stop by a few times a day to feed them and check the animal’s overall well-being may not be a bad option. For pets that have higher social needs – dogs and potentially cats – you may lean towards having someone stay in your home for the duration of your trip.

Home Boarding

Several people offer the service of temporarily taking pets at their house while the family is away on vacation. This can be a good option if you have an animal that has high social needs and enjoys human interaction. Although this puts a check in the social attention box, many dogs and cats prefer their familiar surroundings. Uprooting your pet from their home can cause undue stress. Plus, don’t forget that they’ll already be missing you! If you’re considering this option, look into having your pet stay with someone they are already familiar with and have had numerous positive experiences with.

Dog Kennel

For all you dog owners, a dog kennel can be a good option if you find one that checks all the necessary criteria. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering going the route of a dog kennel:

• How clean are the kennels kept?
• How much space is designated for the dogs’ physical activity?
• How many times a day do the dogs get exercised and for how long?

Make sure to visit the kennel in person so you can answer these questions for yourself.

No matter what avenue you choose to explore, remember reputation is everything! References are a great way to ensure you are leaving your pet in the hands of a capable individual or company. Also, if your friends and family have had positive experiences while on vacation ask them to refer you.