How To Find a Great Dog-Sitter When You Travel

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How To Find a Great Dog-Sitter When You Travel

We wish we could bring our dogs along with us everywhere, but when we’re traveling far away for the holidays, or just on a trip it’s not always an option. Additionally, when all of your pup’s human pals are out of town, it can be really difficult to find a pet sitter that you trust. We’re lucky to live in an age of problem-solving apps and websites, but always schedule an in-person meet and greet beforehand. This will help your dog get to know with his future canine nanny while also giving you the chance to discuss the details of your dog’s care. Here are five ways that technology can help you find a safe and happy, home-away-from-home for your dog when you can’t bring him with you.

Create an A+ Social Post

It’s seems obvious enough, but creating a really engaging social media post can help you “sell” your dog to your social circle. It’s not that they need convincing of how adorable and sweet your puppy is, it’s just that signing up for a weekend of responsibility can be a little intimidating if they aren’t sure what they’re getting into. Briefly outline some of his best features and include any information that would put your friends at ease. Try to be brief and funny if possible. For example,“Big-eared house-trained pup who enjoys Netflix and cuddling ISO buddy for the weekend!” works better than “Anybody want to watch Muffin this weekend?!” Don’t forget a photo! The better the picture, the more likely your friends are to comment and share which, any good social media maven tell you, boosts engagement and interested.

Best thing about it: It’s free!

DoggyBnB

Ok, so your friends didn’t come through…but what about THEIR friends? DoggyBnB is a relationship-based app accesses your larger network of friends to help you find willing dog sitters nearby. DoggyBnB boasts that it’s “Easier than calling around. Safer than a stranger. Cheaper than a kennel.” Plus, it’s pretty awesome to know that the person you hire is actively looking to pet sit.

Best thing about it: The peace of mind that comes with knowing (or kind of knowing) your new pet sitter.

Rover

Rover is a huge network of pet-sitters all over the country. Every stay booked through Rover is fully insured and every sitter has to submit to a full background check before they’re allowed on the site. Even better, if your dog would prefer to stay in his own home, you can find someone willing to come to you and sleep over. This option is ideal for multi-pet homes with fish, lizards, and any other weird non-canine pets you might have.

Best thing about it: Rover’s badge and rating system make it super simple to read what other dog owners think of each candidate.

DogVacay

Because your dog deserves a vacation too, DogVacay is a fun and easy-to-use website that aims to find the perfect match for you and your dog. Just like Rover, DogVacay has a clean and easily searchable interface offering reviewed and insured sitters in or out of your home.

Best thing about it: 24/7 customer service and the promise that you’ll get daily photo updates of your pup as he lays back and enjoys his relaxing vacation (or staycation).

Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! claims to be “the nation’s largest and most trusted” network of professional pet sitters. They also emphasize the fact that they’re a franchise provider vs. a directory. Fetch! offers free in-home consultations as well as a variety of options like “almost overnight” pet sitting aka a night time walk and a morning visit, in-home sitting, pet taxis, and specialty sitters for puppies and seniors.

Best thing about it: They’ve been in the game longer than anyone else and offer a lot of different options.

Want more peace of mind when you leave your pup behind? With the award winning Link AKC smart collar, you’ll have it by knowing where he is and what he’s doing while you’re away. See where his stand-in parent takes him on walks, and how much exercise he’s getting all from your phone.

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