As fellow pet lovers, we know the thought of leaving your pet behind while you hop aboard that Alaskan or Carribean cruise or fly away to vacation on a remote tropical paradise doesn’t always sit well in your pet-centric mind.

What’s the reason behind such reluctance to leaving your pet at home? Most of us are simply concerned about leaving our pets in someone else’s care. Let’s take a look at some of the most common misguided assumptions regarding professional pet sitting services:

MYTH 1: Pet Sitters are always more expensive than boarding in kennels or daycare.

Not necessarily. While it may sound like it would be infinitely pricier to have someone exclusively come to your home one or several times a day to shower your pet with one-on-one attention, food, treats and exercise … actually, it’s not at all. Actual rates depend on the pet sitter and local kennel or boarding facility, of course. But at the very least, you are looking at very comparable prices. According to the American Boarding Kennel Association, an average daily pet daycare rate hovers around $23-26 per pet, per day. Of course, that doesn’t include the dog walks, extra attention, pampering and house sitting benefits, such as mail and newspaper pickup, plant watering, humidifier water replenishment, changing of the window treatments and lighting for that “lived-in” look that petsitters provide during visits for your dog or cat. When it’s all said and done, which is the better value for you? And, which provides you more safety and home security?

MYTH 2: My pet will get lonely and depressed sitting at home.

While there’s no doubt that “Bullet” or “Fluffy” will miss you while you’re away, it’s unlikely that he or she will be hurled into a spiraling, deep depression simply because you’re gone for a few days. Pets are often much happier when they are in the comfortable and stressless environment of their own home as opposed to an unfamiliar kennel with foreign surroundings and roommates. Add to this an enthusiastic visitor who brings treats and toys every several hours, and you’ll get an insanely happy pet who probably spends his downtime sleeping between sitter visits anyway, rather than barking at or enduring all the other dogs barking in the kennel causing them insomnia and stress.

MYTH 3: Pet sitting is really only for dog owners.

So your cat likes to hide and doesn’t necessarily care to be entertained, and your fish doesn’t exactly need to be walked. Then why bother with a pet sitter? It’s not just about immediate need and companionship. Having someone come to your home to check up on your furry family members will help ensure that nothing goes wrong while you are away. And if it does, there will be a mature adult to handle whatever situation occurs according to your instructions. You won’t have to wonder if the power went out and your pets have no heat, or if Mr. Whiskers knocked over a vase that is now dangerously scattered in sharp pieces across the living room floor. You can relax and truly enjoy yourself while you are away knowing your pet is safe and secure.

MYTH 4: People only use petsitters when they go out of town.

Guess again. People use petsitters for all kinds of situations. While the mid-day walks for working pet parents are the most advertised, pet sitters fill in for long days in the city or at the beach, extended absences for weddings or family reunions, winery and sightseeing tours, and spur of the moment socializing after a long day at work. Not only do you not have to rush home, your pets are fed and spoiled according to their normal schedule, and will be relaxed and happy to see you with “open paws” when you choose to return. No guilt for you, and everyone has fun!

So please think again about how a pet sitter can improve your pet’s well-being, as well as your own peace of mind. For more information about pet sitting, dog walking, or potty breaks for your beloved dog or cat, contact me via text or cell at 231-645-6458 or email me at WhiskerSittersTC@yahoo.com.