Can't take Rover with you at Christmas?

Holidaying pet owners need to decide what to do with their furry friends while they're away. Unless there is a close friend or family member available to step in, it can be difficult to decide what to do with them.

If the destination isn't too far and the accommodation is pet friendly, they may be able to come along. Otherwise there is always the possibility of boarding. However some kennels and catteries have already booked out for the Christmas period - and some people will resist leaving their pets alone in an unfamiliar environment while they are lying on the beach. There is, however, now an alternative.

Pet owners are starting to become aware of the option of using a pet sitter . These animal carers will visit your home each day to feed, water and spend time with your animals and walk your dog. Some of them will even water your plants and collect your mail at the same time!

Using a pet sitting is a convenient method of pet care as there is no need to transport the pet. However, according to a recent Lonely Pets Club survey, the main reason pet owners choose to use a pet sitting service is because they believe their animals are actually happier, with 98% citing this as ‘Very Important' or ‘Important'.

Choosing a pet sitter

• When choosing a pet sitting service, consider what sort of service is important to you. Do you get to meet the carer beforehand? You need to feel comfortable with your carer and see how they interact with your pets. You should be confident that your carer is trustworthy, reliable and a true animal lover.
• Back up carers should always be available in the unexpected case of your carer falling ill or being otherwise incapacitated.
• What sort of service is provided? Feeding and playing with cats and smaller pets, as well as walking for dogs, are part of the standard service for any pet sitting business. But are extras included such as poop scooping your garden, bringing in your mail, putting out your bins and watering your plants?
• Are individually numbered dog tags provided, bearing the pet sitting company's phone number, so if your dog escapes while you're away someone can act on your behalf when the dog is found?
• Dog owners should also consider whether they want their dog individually walked. Some businesses walk dogs off the lead in large groups while others will only walk one client's dogs at a time.
• If you are happy with your choice of pet sitting service, next time it will just take a phone call to organise your pet care - one less thing to worry about while you prepare for your trip!

Until recently many areas of Melbourne did not have a local pet sitter. Family owned Lonely Pets Club is the first pet sitting body to form a company and create a network of animal loving carers all over Melbourne.

Before a booking starts, the local Lonely Pets Club Carer visits the client's home to meet the pets and their owner and to obtain all of the details required for the booking. Dog walking, feeding pets, cleaning up after pets, keeping pets company, security checking the home, watering plants and tending rubbish bins are all part of a typical working day for a Lonely Pets Club Carer.

"We've been taking bookings for Christmas since June!" says Justin Cofield, Lonely Pets Club director. "If you think your pets will be happier, healthier and safer at home, pet sitting is a good option. Some of our carers are already booked out for Christmas so I would recommend booking soon."

For more details, go to www.lonelypetsclub.com.au or call 1300 302 895 to make a booking.

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