If you are a dog owner, then you know the struggle of leaving your pet alone when you are busy all day or you have to leave town for some reason. In these cases, you have to ask either your friends or the family in hopes that they will be able to watch over your furry friend.
That being said, sometimes everyone you ask is either busy or they simply cannot do it. Well, if you find yourself in this situation, do not worry as there is a solution to your problem. Your options depend on how often you walk your dog and if your dog requires any type of special care.
If you only need someone to walk your dog once or twice, then dog walking is your best option. However, if your dog requires more care, then pet sitting is what you should look for.
In this article, we will go over both dog walking and dog sitting in order to help you better understand what they offer. This way you will be ready to provide your furry friend with the best care that they need. Now, if you are ready, let’s dive right in.
Dog Walking
Basically, dog walking is a service where you hire a walker to walk your dog. Sounds simple enough. Well, there is a bit more to that than just a walk. If you are away for the day and you need someone to take your dog out for some exercise and potty breaks, then hiring a dog walker is what you are looking for.
They will come directly to your home and will take your dog outside for a specified amount of time. In most cases, this is usually anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the dog breed. Additionally, you can schedule the number of visits according to your dog’s needs.
Hiring a dog walker is typically on the cheaper side compared to pet sitters and daycares. That being said, when you hire a dog walker, make sure that they are licensed. This should not be too hard as there are some amazing dog walking services in Brooklyn. The last thing you want to do is leave your dog in the hands of someone you cannot trust.
Some advantages of dog walking are the lower price, your pet gets the exercise and potty breaks, updates and notes from a walker, and maintenance of the specific schedule your dog has.
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Dog Sitting
On the other hand, there are dog sitting services. Unlike dog walking, dog sitting services include complete care of your pet while you are away. A sitter will, in most cases, come to your home and stay there in order to watch your dog.
However, in some cases, you can take your dog to their house. The first option is much better as your dog is used to your home and will probably feel stressed if you take them to an unfamiliar location and leave right away.
When you hire a pet sitter, you can rest assured that your dog is getting the best care possible. Your dog will have a one-on-one day with a pet sitter with their undivided attention.
If your dog is still a puppy, then you should look into specific pet sitting services. Many pet sitters have separate services regarding puppies. This is because they need a lot more attention and care. They need to go potty more often and as they are still very young, a pet sitter needs to keep vigilant throughout the day.
No matter what, when you look for a pet sitter make sure that they are certified. Keep in mind that this person will be in your home for a long time. Having insurance is a must in these situations as anything can happen and it is best that you are prepared.
A good pet sitter needs to be able to react to anything. They need to keep your dog safe, but also your home as they will spend a whole day there.
The advantages of hiring a pet sitter are that your dog will have personal care while you are gone, their needs will be met, you can always check how your dog is doing with a simple call, and lastly, a dog sitter can do simple things like water plants or collect mail for you.
Recommended Read: Dog Boarding or Dog Sitting: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
Conclusion
To summarize, both dog walking and dog sitting services have their own specific uses. If you need someone to walk your dog once or twice during the day until you get back in the evening, then dog walking services are best for you. On the other hand, if you are going to be away for a day or two, then a dog sitter is a much better alternative. Yes, dog sitters are more expensive, but the price is definitely worth it as you will know that your furry friend is taken care of while you are gone.
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