Petsitting Myths Dispelled

Think your being away from home will have your pets feeling as angry as this little kitty? Think again.

We know that the thought of leaving your pet behind while you hop aboard that Alaskan cruise doesn't always sit well in your pet-centric mind. It's probably been enough for you to seriously consider stowing Fluffy away in a suitcase just so you can keep her with you while you're away from home. But then sanity kicked in, and you continued your packing... without tossing in any furry additions.

What's the reason behind such resistance to leaving your pet at home? Love, no doubt. But on top of that, many pet owners are simply concerned about leaving their pets in someone else's care. We'll take a look at some mythical concerns often swirling around the field of petsitting as well as several misguided assumptions about when to actually use a petsitter's services.

MYTH 1: PETSITTERS ARE ALWAYS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN BOARDING

Not necessarily. It does sound like it would be infinitely pricier to have someone privately come to your home several times a day to shower your pet with personal attention, food, treats and exercise (uh, can we get in on that?). But, actually, it's not always. Actual rates depend on the petsitter and local kennel, but at the very least, you're looking at very comparable prices. According to the American Boarding Kennel Association, the national average price of boarding a dog in 2004 was $19.05. A few years later, pet owners are now looking at an average daily rate that hovers around $23-26 per pet, per day. Of course, that doesn't count the walks, extra attention, pampering and house sitting benefit that petsitters provide. When it's all said and done, isn't it obvious which is the better value?

MYTH 2: MY PET WILL GET LONELY AND DEPRESSED SITTING AT HOME

While it's no doubt that Fido will miss you, it's unlikely that he will be hurled into a spiraling, deep depression because you're gone for a few days. Pets are often much happier when they are in the comfortable environment of their own home as opposed to an unfamiliar kennel. Add to this an enthusiastic visitor who brings treats and toys every several hours, and you'll get an insanely giddy pet who will most likely spend his downtime sleeping between sitter visits rather than sobbing controllably until you return.

MYTH 3: PEOPLE ONLY USE PETSITTERS WHEN THEY GO OUT OF TOWN

Guess again. Working pet parents can hire a petsitter during business hours to ensure that the pets are taken out, walked, fed and spoiled when the owners can't jet back home during lunch to provide some afternoon attention. Or, should you happen to fall ill or become injured (knock on wood), a petsitter can relieve you of your guilt of not being able to walk your pet and can perform basic tasks that have now become difficult for you do to yourself.

MYTH 4: PETSITTING IS REALLY ONLY FOR DOG OWNERS

So your cat doesn't care to be entertained, and your gerbil doesn't exactly need to be walked. Then why bother with a petsitter? Well, it's not just about immediate need and companionship. Having someone come to you home every so often just to check up on your critters and creatures will help ensure that nothing goes wrong while you're away. You won't have to wonder if the snake got out, or if Mr. Whiskers, that clumsy fool, knocked over a vase that is now dangerously scattered in sharp pieces across the kitchen floor.

MYTH 5: PETSITTERS ARE PETSITTERS ARE PETSITTERS

Just because your friend's dog-loving petsitter is perfect for her furry family member doesn't mean that the same sitter is the best match to care for your parakeets and cockatiels. Allowing yourself several options when hiring a petsitter will help ensure that you find the best one for your unique needs, even if that means hiring a gal who can (will) chortle "Rockin Robin" to your feathered friends while proudly displaying "jazz hands" and feeding them some tasty lettuce. Though, you should know that this type of performance will probably cost extra, under the unofficial petsitters humiliation clause.