As pet owners continue to plan their travels this summer, many must also decide how to best care for their pets while they’re away. According to a recent poll by AP-Petside.com, half of all American pet owners consider their pets as much a part of the family as any other person in the household.
“Our pets are often considered to be members of our families, and we want to ensure that they are well-cared for and happy when we entrust their care to someone,” said Mary Hawkes, Director of the Yavapai Branch office of the BBB. “Making the appropriate choice for your pet’s care can give you peace of mind while you are away, and help assure your pets’ health and safety.”
So, how do you choose a pet care boarding facility or a professional in-home pet-sitter? You want a facility and staff that provide safe, secure and dependable care. Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to help you choose the most appropriate option for your pets’ “vacation”:
- Call to see if the facility can accommodate your pets’ needs. During busy periods and holiday seasons, a facility may have limited availability.
- Make an appointment to visit the facility. Does it look and smell clean? Is the facility free of odors, dirt, and flea or tick infestation? Check the lighting, temperature control, bedding, sleeping quarters and exercise area.
- Observe how the staff interacts with the boarded pets.
- Determine the facility’s requirements for pet immunizations.
- Make sure your pet has appropriate access to water and food.
- Ask questions about supervision to determine how frequently someone checks on your pet to determine your pet’s well-being.
- Inquire about the facility’s procedures should your pet become ill. Question how veterinary services are chosen should your pet require medical services.
For some, boarding their pets may be the best solution, but others may prefer to leave their pets in the comfort of their own home. In those cases, professional pet-sitting services might be an option. Your BBB offers the following tips when choosing a pet sitter:
- Schedule an appointment to meet with the pet-sitter and determine if there is a charge for this meeting. Have a list of questions to ask the individual.
- Observe the pet-sitter with your pets. Are they comfortable with them?
- Inquire about the agency’s and the individual’s pet-sitting experience.
- Determine if the pet-sitter is bonded and insured; ask for proof of coverage.
- Inquire whether the pet-sitting service performs a criminal background check on its employees.
- Ask for references; follow up and check with those references.
- Ask how the pet-sitter deals with an animal’s illness. Determine if they have a way to transport your pets should medical services be required.
- Check the company’s record with BBB by visiting www.arizonabbb.org or by calling 602-264-1721 or 928-772-3410 in Yavapai County.
Whether you are using a pet care facility or professional pet-sitting service, inquire whether they are members of professional pet care organizations.
To find trustworthy businesses in the pet boarding and sitting services industry visit www.arizonabbb.org.
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BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,500 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.