Forum Topic

Dog care during holidays

I am planning a 2-3 week family holiday this Christmas. Normally if I go away I leave my 2 dogs with a family member and have never had to use kennels. But I don’t have anyone left to look after them and so wondered what on earth I do? Has anyone used one of these trusted house sitter websites or do I try and find boarding somewhere. Suggestions and recommendations gratefully received.

Fiona Meyers ● 1533d6 Comments

If you use a kennel then you should book now for Christmas as they are snowed under, by all accounts.

Susan Kelly ● 1533d

I have used Trusted house sitters for 6 years  and had very positive sits and my dog and cat were calm and well on my return.  Only one sit was poor and on another my garden was not watered during a long stay away.  On balance I would and continue to use them.However they had made changes to their membership and I don’t know how it affects the applications you receive.  You are wise to start your search now as Christmas is a very busy period.  When you join, you do have to spend some time completing your profile and all the info needed for a prospective sitter.  You then post your dates and wait for the applications to come into you in box. Each applicant will have a profile for you to read  which will enable you to choose who to invite and you then get to communicate direct and ultimately speak to in person.  They are very security conscious and sitters are vetted before being accepted.  They are covered covered by insurance and can access consultation should the need arise.You will know what you expect so choose carefully and honestly.Good luck

Elizabeth Ross ● 1533d

It has been a while since we used them as we no longer have pets but for many years Homesitters were our choice. We could often get the same people and some came year after year. We only had one disappointment (though not disastrous!) and the sitters became like old friends. The company is reassuringly fussy - you have to be vetted by the sitters before they will agree to accept the job- and they work to very strict guidelines, for example regarding the amount of time they can be away from your house. They live in for the whole period you are away and take care of the house and pets as if they were their own. A possible issue is that many of the sitters travel by car so you may need to have arrangements in place for parking. Also ..... they are expensive though most of the fee goes to the company not the sitters! Certainly worth investigating.https://www.homesitters.co.uk/

Bruce Hammal ● 1533d

Thank you both for your replies it’s reassuring as I haven’t come across anyone who has used these sites. I will get the ball rolling and see what comes of it.

Fiona Meyers ● 1533d

I have used Animal Aunts for my two cats and two dogs and they have always been excellent.

Caroline Webster ● 1532d

Thank you

Fiona Meyers ● 1532d