1. Boarding facility
2. Ask a friend or neighbor to watch your pets
3. Hire a professional Pet Sitter
4. Take your pets with you

Boarding can be very stressful for your family pets, especially if they have never been boarded before, or have never been used to being crated for long periods of time.  Boarding facilities are usually very clean, and your pets will be fed and taken out on a routine schedule, but, they also will be subjected to other pets who may be ill or stressed.   Dogs can sense when other cage mates are stressed, nervous or angry.  Boarding facilities will charge extra for playtime with your pets, charge for multiple family members, and even for if you want your pets out of the cage for a longer period of time.  this can be awfully costly.

Friends and neighbors are great in a pinch, but they have their own lives, and most aren’t willing to do multiple things like scoop the box, walk the dog, check your home for security, water the plants and find the missing cat.  you will be lucky if they fill the food bowls.  Friends and neighbors also are not insured in case something were to go wrong while you are away.

If you are going camping, taking your dogs with you can be fun once in awhile, but taking a cruise to Hawaii is not the trip of a lifetime if you would have to bring your Lab, his ball, dish, etc.  Luckily, I don’t even think dogs are allowed on cruise ships

Pet Sitters are a good choice, because they are insured, and most have had pet CPR and first aid training.  Pet Sitters are hired to do the job, so they are obligated to do the job to your standards.

Pet Sitters have references you can call, will keep in touch while you are away, and most will also leave care notes for you upon return.  they will usually bring in the mail, the newspaper, turn on/off lights, feed and water the pets, walk the dog, scoop the box, and also will notify you of any issues that arise.

Pet sitting individuals are listed on pet directory sites, on facebook, craigslist, or ask someone you know who they use.

I am a pet sitter in Gilbert, Arizona, but I also pet sit in chandler, and Mesa, Arizona.
My website is www.theaffordablehomesitter.com

Happy travels!