My dog who I love above almost all other things is putting a real cramp in my travel habits. My mother, his usual dogsitter, is getting older and I no longer feel I can ask her to have him stay with her for days at a time. Boarding is not an option for this dog who sleeps in bed and who has health problems that are exacerbated by stressful situations. So which of the following would you prefer in terms of having someone stay in your home and dogsit?: 1) a "professional" dogsitter who I found online 2) a trusted student who is at least 18 years old (I am a teacher) looking for cash before going to college or 3) the lady who I barely know who works at the grocery store near my house and who seems nice and responsible enough and who tells me she has started dog-sitting for extra money. Any other insights on this situation would be welcome.

Either 1 or 3.

Number 2 has "bad idea" written all over it.

I would go for option 2 given you know the student - but I'd test first with a long weekend before a two week trip

2
1
3
in that order

As a dog owner I would be apt to go with #1 and I would demand references.

The student who is 18 and "trusted"...not sure age 18 has much validity and the "trusted" part is no guarantee that the person can handle this particular situation. Feeling sorry for the student and/or your possible desire to "help out" by offering an employment opportunity are nice but not necessarily for your dog's welfare.

Forget #3 and the way you have worded it ("who I barely know&quot tells me you don't like that idea anyway.

I'm sure many will tell you their stories about how they've had wonderful success/luck the #2 and #3 types and possibly a bad experience with the #1 type.

But given the information you are supplying, and based on that alone, I would still opt for #1.

If you are talking more than 3 or 4 days, an adult family member, the child of a next door neighbor (where the parents could keep an eagle eye on the situation) or a professional - preferably recommended by the vet would be my only comfortable choices.

No matter how "trusted" the student is, that probably isn't a good idea. "Good" kids have been known have "just a few" friends over to keep them company and it easily gets out of their control. One family not far from my house had the teenaged friend of their daughter watch the house, water, mow - not even any pets involved. Well - the text message/my space brigade showed up on teh 2nd night and $12,000 damage later the police showed up.

BTW...what's the MONEY difference here as I suspect there may be a substantial one between #2 and #1.

Would it be any better for your mother to stay at your house, rather than moving the dog to her house?

I can't comment on the student option because only you can say you really know this young person well enough. Young people can sometimes be swayed or 'over-run' by their peers, which means you might not know for sure who has been in your house.

A professional should be licensed and bonded, and have references. They should come to your house in advance to 'meet' your dog, which gives you a chance to see for yourself if they exhibit a good 'pet' personality. And check out those references. And ask a neighbor to check on things and let you know if anything doesn't seem right. Leave a key hidden outside somewhere, in case you have to divulge its location to said neighbor.

I wouldn't want a person I 'hardly know' to have access to my home, personal things, or my dog.

Just an aside...if you are the teacher of the "trusted" student then this might have the appereance of something inappropriate.

Thanks for the speedy replies.

My gut told me to go with the professional. However, there is something appealing about entrusting my dog to someone with whom I have more than just a business relationship, if you know what I mean. I would want to know he's being played with and given affection. (Non-dog people needn't respond!) I suppose having the professional over to meet my dog, might relieve any anxiety.

I don't know what the money difference would be, but that's not a big consideration in this case.

Mom likes to sleep in her own bed and, although she has not come right out and said so, she seems increasingly put out by providing the care the baby needs.

saps--it would be a former student, and parents would have to know all about it. Teachers use students as baby sitters all the time, so I'm not too concerned. But thanks for the thought.

We used to use a professional service, now we use a family friend or a personal trainer we know, or me ... this weekend! I know that the pros can be expensive, but I might go for that. Or if you have a family friend you can use or a relative besides your mother?

Actually - I'd think a professional pet sitter would more likely play/have fun w/ your baby. That is her job and she must enjoy dogs or wouldn't be doing it. A student - even your "trusted" one has friends, school, activities and such taking up time.

I assume the pet sitter is fully bonded?

Have you checked with your vet? They often will refer you to good petsitters (that's how we found ours).

2
1 (make sure they're bonded)
3

Before you pick, I'd have the candidates come over--at seperate times, ofc course--and see how well they interact w/your dog and vice-versa.

Best of luck.

There are several bonded pet sitting services in my area. I don't yet have a particular one in mind. Checking with my vet is a great idea. Thanks again for all of the good advice.

another tip...if you dont smoke,,,,you probably wont want a sitter that does

my son used a professional dog sitter who turned out to be chain smoker.

his dog "stunk of cigarette smoke" when she was picked up

We also called the vet - and the lady who works in the office said " I pet sit" and have 3 dogs, blah blah. When we came to pick up the dog she said "boy does your dog snore louddd!". So she really was a dedicated petsitter.

My mother had the girl next door come into the house to watch the dogs. Similar age (19) and a good kid. But she had her boyfriend over, (we forget how difficult it is to find privacy at that age, and how even trustworthy kids will take advantage).

Do you want someone to stay 24/7?

I think most often professional dog sitters would just come feed and walk a couple times a day. You might be looking for a house-sitter who does dogs too.

Not 2. And 3 is not an ideal option either.