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Old 09-30-2016, 03:39 PM
 
Location: Venus
5,836 posts, read 5,227,245 times
Reputation: 10693

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We go to Puerto Rico most winters for about 6 weeks. I am lucky. I have a friend who is willing to come in almost everyday to feed them and such. He works at the local high school so he comes over on his lunch break. This gives him a break from the school, too. If he knows that snow is coming, he will make sure the cats have plenty of food if there is a possibility that he can't make it. He also keeps an eye on things-like a few winters ago when we lost water because of pipes freezing (outside the house). We were able to get a hold of our contractor and we were able to get water a day or two before we got home.

As a backup, I also have my cleaning lady. She will come in a day or two before we get home so the house is clean for us. With both of them looking out for my cats & home, I don't have to worry (but do anyway). And I usually call once a week to check in-just for my own peace of mind-even though no news is good news.



Cat
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Old 10-02-2016, 09:44 PM
 
Location: San Antonio
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i've used pet sitters for decades, when I had my dog years back and now with the cat I have. It's easier now to find a good one since you can look up references and reviews on line. Make sure they are bonded. I've never had an issue with the pet sitters I've used. I've used them in Dallas, Houston, Destin, Tampa and now in Albuquerque.
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Old 10-04-2016, 11:54 AM
 
3,138 posts, read 2,763,407 times
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Thanks everyone for your replies.

So, I have decided to take them to a local vet hospital and have them boarded. It's a huge waste of money, but given that I'm leaving in a few days, I don't have much time or energy to interview several sitters to meet the cats.

I originally did ask my friend, who states she doesn't like pets, to come over to sit. But, she lives in a separate town that's about 20-25 minutes away. Even though it doesnt seem like much, she has a 7 month old and a 3 year old whom she'll have to tote over here. She's a very good person, but my perception based on her personality and the fact that she has 2 small kids, is that she won't be over here 3, or even 2, times per day to feed the cats and watch over them. And I'm nervous about her allowing her 3 year old to zoom around my home, unattended.

I visited the boarding place yesterday. THe cats will have a lot of room to roam around, and they will be getting around the clock attention, with the vet being in house for almost all of the day on the days I'll be gone. And I know for certain they'll be getting their regular meals.

Lesson learned, though. When I get back, I'll begin looking for a regular sitter so that I won't have to board them ever again.

Thank you everyone for your recommendations .
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Old 10-07-2016, 11:36 AM
 
1,205 posts, read 1,178,319 times
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I have used a pet sitter and have been one. I'm picky about clients too.


Referrals are your best bet. Maybe even post here in a thread of your town/state. I understand strangers at your home can be disconcerting, no advice there.


Even if you use an acquaintance and it is casual I would still pay them, treat it as a business deal. I use a 'handyman' kind of guy for my home stuff, including pet sitting. He knows my cat and they both like each other plus I trust him. He isn't a pet sitter though and doesn't advertise as such.
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Old 10-08-2016, 06:10 AM
 
667 posts, read 1,838,504 times
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I use pet sitters. If away, I usually call twice a day (if the sitter is coming twice a day.) I'm sure that is pretty annoying for the sitter, so I leave a big tip.

Picturing some horror that might have befallen my pets leaves me too nervous to enjoy my trip until I call.

The sitter has my key. Once when I had to go to the hospital unexpectedly, it was nice just to make a quick call and have that be one less worry.
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