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Thoughts on pet sitters, doggy hotels and dog kennels

Deon van den Berg

Updated: Feb 27, 2023


At Pet and House Sitter, we understand that your four-legged family is as important as your

hooman family. Therefore, we understand how stressful and worrying it can be to decide

what to do with your furry fren’s when you are away. Especially if you have furry fren’s with

behaviour issues such as separation anxiety. Here are tips to ensure your furry fren’s are

hap, safe, and healthy while the pawrents are away:


1.    Sitter – Doggy Hotel – Kennel

The first step is to determine if you will book a sitter or take your furry fren to a doggy hotel

or kennel. Let’s briefly look at the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each

option.


Pet Sitter

A pet sitter only does visits; while a house sitter sleeps in your house and attends to all the

needs of your furry fren. In both cases, your furry fren’s stay in their own environment

which is also the greatest advantage. Their daily routine can be maintained with little to no

changes to it. Remember, with pet sitters your furry fren’s only get little individual

attention (visits vary between 15 to 30 min). Alternatively, house sitting offers much more in

the TLC aspect. Pet and House Sitter do offer dog walking services as an additional service.

Our customers receive frequent updates of their furry fren’s well-being, in the form of

photos, videos, messages, and voice notes.


Boarding Kennel

A boarding kennel is a place where your furry fren’s can be looked after by professionals.

Bear in mind that your furry fren’s most probably will not be able to roam freely all day and

will be confined to small enclosures. This is the biggest disadvantage of a kennel.


Doggy Hotel

A doggy hotel is like a boarding kennel. However, your furry fren’s usually have more space

to roam without having to stay in a cage. A further downside of kennels and doggy hotels is

the possibility of fren fights and sicknesses.  


If you decide to opt for a kennel or doggy hotel, it is imperative to research the kennel or

hotel thoroughly. Choose a kennel or hotel that will meet your furry fren’s needs. Visit the

facility beforehand to ensure that the facilities are clean, and that proper care will be given

to your furry fren’s. Make sure there is enough space to ensure that your furry fren’s gets

enough exercise. Look around to ensure the area is properly secured.


Referrals from friends or family members of already tested kennels or hotels is always the

most trustworthy. Pet and House Sitter recently launched their exclusive Labrador and

Golden Retriever Doggy Day Care situated in the east of Pretoria.


It is strongly advised not to leave your furry fren’s home alone with only a self-feeder.

Besides water and food, every furry fren needs tender, love and care. 


2.       Pack his/ her bags

If you decide on a pet or house sitter, there is no need to pack any belongings for your fren.

However, leaving instructions is critical. If your furry fren is going to a kennel or doggy hotel,

pack everything he or she will need while you are on vacation. To ensure you pack

everything, ask the kennel or hotel for a detailed list of items required for their stay. Things

to consider:


▪ Dog bowls

▪ Treats

▪ Favourite toys

▪ Dog bed and blankets

▪ Medication

▪ Leashes

▪ Vet book / vaccination record


3.       Detailed Instructions

No matter with whom you leave your furry fren with, you should always write out a detailed

list of instructions about how to care best for your fren. It is important to provide your fren’s

vet book / vaccination record. The instructions and information must include things like:


▪ Food: when and how much

▪ Medication: when, how much, and how to administer the medicine

▪ Exercise: how often and what method of exercising

▪ Important details of your fren’s behaviour


Our Last Bark

You know your furry fren’s best and what works for them. It is imperative to research all

your options and choose the one that will work best for you and your furry fren’s. At Pet and


House Sitter, we have one goal. Our customers must enjoy a stress-free break, whilst having

the peace of mind knowing that their furry fren’s are in good hands.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you leave your furry fren’s alone for a week?

It is strongly advised not to leave your furry fren’s home alone for more than a few hours. It

is important that there is someone that regularly feed your furry fren’s and ensure he or she

has enough water. As mentioned earlier, furry fren’s need TLC. Lots of it!


Does your fren feel abandoned when you go on vacation?

Your fren will not necessarily think you abandoned him or her. Good pawrents decision

making before going on vacation will ensure a perfectly fine furry fren. However, it is

important to keep in mind that each fren reacts differently. Some furry fren’s may become

distressed or refuse to eat, whilst others will carry on as per normal.

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