Going Away for the Holidays? Don't Forget the Family Pet

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. Boarding kennels are at capacity and pet sitters are booked from dawn ‘til dusk.

“Book as early as possible – ideally as soon as you make your flight or hotel reservations.”

“Book as early as possible – ideally as soon as you make your flight or hotel reservations,” says Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “If you wait, you may not be able to find quality care – especially if you want that care to come to your home.”

Demand for quality pet sitters is especially high during the holiday period, she adds, noting there are several reasons for this trend:

1. Health. Because kennels are so crowded during the holidays, staff can be stretched thin and that can be stressful for pets accustomed to lots of one-on-one attention and regular exercise. Home care also eliminates the risk of exposure to canine illnesses.

2. Convenience. Since pet sitters come to the home, there’s no need to pack food or medicines, no waiting in long lines to check the pet in and out, and no worry about getting to the facility before it closes if the flight is delayed on the way home.

3. Home security. Because they visit several times a day, pet sitters make an empty home appear occupied by parking a car in the driveway, turning lights on and off, and bringing in mail and newspapers.

4. Customization. Pet sitters not only provide one-on-one attention, that attention can be customized to the needs of each pet – from daily routines, to special needs related to age and health.

When choosing a pet sitter, says Coughlin, 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.”

Canine Company has some openings remaining for holiday pet sitting in select Fairfield County towns, including Wilton, Weston, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield. For information, call visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).