Pet sitting & boarding

A sitter at your home — least stress for cats and anxious dogs. Drop-in visits — supervision + feeding. Pet hotels — for social dogs; check licenses and conditions.

Reviews with photos and dates, a meet-and-greet (the pet should approach on its own), experience with your breed/size, emergency plan, backup contact.

In writing: feeding schedule and doses, meds, vet & insurance, allowed walk areas, commands and 'don'ts', what to do if the pet escapes/poisons, entry code.

Even with friends — a written agreement: dates, payment, scope, liability for loss/injury, vet-spend limit without approval, keys returned in person.

A trial night with the sitter before a long absence. Home-scented items, usual food (sudden change = upset stomach), current vaccines — mandatory for hotels.