Vacation Time! While you are off to Machu Pichu or the Azores (or Grandma's), how will you provide for your pets? You have several options of care for your pets - consider what is best for your pets while you're away.

Do you have a reliable friend or neighbor to check on them daily? Perhaps you want a professional pet sitter to come by your house each day and provide food, exercise or companionship for your left-behind friends. Some professional pet sitters belong to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. An in-home pet sitter may also be a good choice if you have multiple pets or a pet that is ill.

On the other hand, maybe you don't want people in your home while you are away. A boarding facility or a pet resort may be your best choice. If you have "outside pets", you may prefer that they are in a secure environment while you're away. Most boarding facilities, whether at a veterinarian's or at a Pet Paradise Resort, will require that your pet be immunized before they will accept them. Some facilities board only cats and/or provide special services, such as medical treatment or exercise rooms. Some facilities offer amenities which boggle the imagination: fresh catnip-filled pillows, daily brushings, special food served in Waterford crystal, romps on a wide fenced lawn, limo rides to and from home.

Do your homework - find out all your options. Always check for recent references! Think about what is best for your pet!

Remember to provide your caretaker:

·  A number where you can be reached
·  Permission for your caretaker to handle a medical emergency
·  Your veterinarian's number
·  An emergency clinic number and address
·  A list of medications (with directions) your pet is taking
·  Any special directions

When you do your homework and consider your pet's welfare in each situation, you will make the right decision. When you return with a savage tan, sand in your bikini or Grandma's secret recipe for creme brulee, Maggie and Puff will be rested, refreshed and ready to play!

Reasons to use an in-home pet sitter:

·  Puff stays in a familiar, safe environment
·  Puff is not exposed to illness from other animals
·  Puff is not traumatized by travel
·  Puff is home when you get home
·  A pet sitter checks on your home and provides added security,
 and may provide other services as well

Things to look for in a pet sitter:

·  References - Call them!
·  Written agreement of services and fees
·  Back up plan for illness or accident
·  Insurance and bonding
·  Credentials - is the sitter a member of a professional association?

Reasons to use a boarding facility:

·  Maggie may be safer in a secure environment
·  Your home and Maggie may be more secure without people coming and going
·  Many boarding facilities offer special pampering and medical attention
·  Some boarding facilities cater only to cats, which may prevent an emotional
 upset on your cat's part
·  A good boarding facility will have a veterinarian on call in case of an emergency

Things to look for in a boarding facility:

·  Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian and friends
·  Check out the facility before your trip, and ask to see the space where your pet will stay
·  Get pricing up front, and ask how much any special treatments will cost
·  Inquire about feeding, exercise and medication procedures
·  Credentials - is the facility a member of the American Boarding Kennel Association
 or other professional group?

With proper planning, your vacation can be as good for your pet as it is for you. Do your homework before it is time to go, and enjoy a restful vacation without worrying about your best friend.