When your dog means everything to you it can be almost impossible to comprehend leaving them behind but sometimes there is no other option. If you have to go away for work or family reasons, or really need a holiday to recharge your batteries, you can be left facing what feels like a very nerve-wracking decision. The number one person to care for your canine best friend is obviously you but what is the next best option? 

Some people are lucky enough to have friends and family who will care for their dog when needed but not everyone has the time, the right environment or the love of dogs to oblige. An informal arrangement can also cause problems if things don’t go to plan. If your dog or dog sitter becomes unwell or if accidents happen, there is often no back up. So if you can’t entrust the care of your beloved pet to someone you know personally, how do you find a commercial dog sitting service you can trust?

You need to know that your best friend will be happy so that you can enjoy your time away

1.The first thing you can do is to try and obtain a personal recommendation. Ask your dog owning friends, either in person or via social media, if they have ever used a local dog sitter and what their experience was.

2. Why not ask your local vet or pet shop if they can recommend a dog care option? They will most likely have a working relationship with nearby dog sitters / home dog boarding providers and kennels. This will enable them to really know which have the best reputation and working practices.

3. It can be hard to cut through the advertising spiel employed by commercial dog sitting companies to promote their businesses. How can you really trust what they say? A good idea is to look for a company which uses an independent review community such as Trustpilot. You can visit their website and check out their pets’ category for rankings, star ratings and read genuine, independently verified customer reviews. You should also take into account the number of reviews provided as a larger number will create a more reliable picture.

4. First impressions are so important! When you call a dog sitter for more information, they should be interested in finding out as much as possible about your dog and their routine, rather than just how long you would like to book for! A trustworthy dog sitter will want to ensure that they fully understand your dog’s requirements, so that they can faithfully replicate your pet’s routine. Make sure that you also ask what will happen if your pet becomes unwell and how much support is provided.

5. Take time to research your local dog sitters. Don’t leave booking holiday care for your dog until the last minute as the best options may be fully booked. Choosing and booking your dog’s care should be done in plenty of time, to ensure you make the right decision and have full peace of mind.

Once you know that your dog will have a great time, you can relax and enjoy your time away!