Looking for Holiday Pet Care? Book Soon!

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are the biggest travel weeks of the year, which also makes them the busiest weeks for quality pet care providers. Last year, boarding kennels were at capacity and most pet sitters were booked from dawn ‘til dusk and this year is projected to be the same.

“Book as early as possible – ideally as soon as you make your own travel plans,” says Traci Simo of Canine Company. “If you wait, you may not be able to find quality care – especially if you want care that comes to your home.” At-home care is in demand, she says, because of its benefits, including

· Less risk of exposure to illness. Diseases like canine flu and kennel cough, can spread wherever dogs spend time together, like at a kennel.

· Less stress. Pets stay in their familiar surroundings, not penned up in a cage.

· Greater home security. Pet sitters make the home appear occupied, parking a car in the driveway, turning lights on and off, and bringing in mail and newspapers

· Greater convenience. There’s no waiting in long lines to check the pet in, and no worry about getting to the facility before it closes if the flight is delayed on the way home.

When choosing a pet sitter, says Simo, stick with the professionals, even if only for a few days. “While your neighbor may love animals, she probably isn’t trained in animal behavior, or prepared to provide pet first aid or CPR in an emergency.” Other factors to consider when choosing a pet sitter, include:

• Is the sitter certified in pet first aid and CPR, and ready to handle a health issue? Is the sitter trained to give medication and injections, if needed?

• Does the sitter have emergency back up to care for your pet so a visit is never missed?

• Does the sitter provide daily email reports and photos, so you know how your pet is doing?

For more information on pet sitting and at home pet care, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).