Finding a Pet Motel on Short Notice

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Finding a Pet Motel on Short Notice

Staff Writer · Sep 2, 2009

Sometimes you need to find a pet motel on short notice. When you’re out of town, you’re probably going to worry about your dog, cat or other furry friend while you’re away. Give yourself some peace of mind by knowing that your pet is in good hands.

Ask Around

Who better to ask for a recommendation on a pet motel than a trusted friend, family member or acquaintance? Ask people you know with pets what they’ve done in the past when they were on vacation. You may get to hear their opinions on good (or bad) pet motels in your area. Perhaps someone will even offer to watch your pet for you.

Search the Internet

Should your friends fail to recommend a good pet motel for you take the time to do some research online. Look for a pet kennel with amenities like exercise (group play, daily walks, time at a park, etc.), grooming services and special dietary accommodation (Staying in a new environment is stressful enough for a pet without a change in diet). Be sure to choose a kennel with certification from a reputable organization like the Pet Care Services Association.

Pet Sitters

If you still can’t find a pet kennel you like on short notice, consider hiring a pet sitter, an individual who will come to your home to feed, interact with, clean up after and walk your pet. The pros of hiring a pet sitter include:

  • Your pet will be more comfortable in her own home environment;
  • Your pet will get more individualized attention than at a pet motel;
  • You may find a pet sitter who will also collect your mail, take out your garbage, water plants and perform other household tasks;
  • You’ll have someone to make your apartment look more lived in (in order to ward off burglars) when you’re gone.
The cons of hiring a pet sitter include:
  • You’re trusting a stranger with your apartment key;
  • Your pet may not like your pet sitter and could prove aggressive or uncooperative.
Make sure that your pet sitter has accreditation, including a list of satisfied clients and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters certification. If you don’t have time to interview the pet sitter yourself, ask a friend for a referral.

Bring Them Along

If you’re wary of leaving your pets behind, take them with you. There are a number of dog friendly motels and other pet friendly lodgings. You need only ask your hotel if it provides pet friendly accommodations. If you’ve yet to make reservations, a simple Internet search can find you a list of nationwide dog friendly lodging.

Even when you’re short on time, you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to finding a pet motel or pet friendly accommodation for your pet. Find the best option for your pet and enjoy the most of your trip!

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