Important and necessary tips for pet lovers when traveling

Millions of Americans adopted pets during the height of the pandemic, with dogs and cats joining nearly 1 in 5 American households, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you are a member of one of these households, there is no doubt that you have now discovered the many rewards of companionship with a pet.

Taking your favorite pet with you on summer vacation has its hassles and fees (lots of fees), while neither you nor your beloved pet may feel comfortable with the idea of ​​relying on a boarding facility.

It\’s not always possible to put your animal-loving friends and relatives on a pet watch, since they may have their vacation plans, especially around the holidays, during the summer, and in the wake of a global health crisis that led to this. We are all excited to leave the house.

This is likely why these are boom times for pet groomers, who tend to pet dogs and cats in animal home environments (some pet sitters open their homes to dog and cat guests, although it\’s technically an upside process).

“Pet ownership has gone up, as has traveled,” notes Beth Stoltz-Hairston, president of the Pet Sitters International (PSI) Industry Association, and PSI members tell us they welcome this

The influx of pet care requests after the pandemic calms down.”

We are sure they do. But amid the increasing competition for breeders, how do you look for someone reliable, responsible, and perhaps most importantly?

Where are you looking for a pet sitter?

“The vet’s office, dog trainer, local animal shelter, or neighbors who own pets can all be helpful places to begin your search for a pet sitter,” according to Dr. Carly Lauer, research director of the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team.

To find a professional pet sitter, you can search by zip code on the websites of industry organizations such as Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Breeders (NAPPS).

The benefit of going with a professional, says Stultz-Hairston of Pet Sitters International, is that you know you\’re getting someone who\’s \”insured, maintains any necessary business licenses, is trained to care for pets, and prioritizes continuing education to stay up-to-date on the best.\” pet care practices.”