(These views are not intended to disparage or downtrod the many Professional Pet Sitters who operate under professional standards and are bonded and licensed. These are a compilation of customer reflections gathered over our 25 year plus business experience. These observations are meant to offer a comparison between pet sitting and professional pet boarding. While we are sure that there are many excellent and diligent pet sitters, please check the references and licenses of any whom you may consider.)

Pet Sitters:

The term "pet sitter" implies someone "continually sitting or staying" with your pet the entire time you are gone! In most cases, however, it would be better to use the term -- "pet checker" as most "sitters" only visit and check on your pet once or twice during a twenty-four hour period. Many times there is little or no constant supervision, exercise or companionship. Since pet checkers are usually paid by the job, emphasis all too frequently is placed more on the quantity of visits rather than the pet's continuing observed welfare.....there are differences, and you should know about them before you leave your pet(s) home alone.

Mis-conceptions:

Many misconceptions exist between what pet care professionals can provide, and what pet checkers do in the absence of pet owners. Since Wakefield Kennel has a genuine interest in the welfare of the pets they care for, here are some points for consideration.

At Wakefield Kennel our kennel staff is available throughout the entire day to provide care should the need arise.

Pet Checker Situation:

Wakefield Kennel Advantages:

Costs:

One of the primary reasons pet owners revert to pet checkers is price. As you well know, good quality care does not come inexpensively, please consider that Wakefield Kennel has invested great capital in state-of-the-art facilities and employees 13 staff members for your pet's care and well-being. Wakefield Kennel is financially motivated to provide excellent care and service and to maintain long-lasting relationships with pet owners.

Boarded pets are observed by full-time trained staff. The pet's well being is the 1st and utmost priority. Health or behavior problems can then be referred to the correct specialist. Wakefield Kennel regularly notices symptoms even the most attentive owners might overlook or be unaware of at home. Boarded pets are monitored individually throughout the day. Grouped pets cannot be monitored effectively and when left at home, or cannot be monitored at all.

Boarded pets receive flea treatments, skin, coat and medical care as needed, or as directed by their veterinarian each time they board.

Boarded pets are required to have current vaccinations for contagious diseases. Pet checkers going from house to house may introduce virus to unvaccinated pets inadvertently from a previous visit location.

Boarded pets do not destroy carpeting, drapes, landscaping or your relationship with your neighbors.

Home Security:

While the care and well being of your pets is your main concern, you should also consider the risks of strangers (whether bonded or not) having access to your home and personal property.

Separation Anxiety:

Pets suffer emotional stress when their owners leave whether they're left at home or placed in a boarding kennel. It's how those providing the care respond that makes the difference in the pet's emotional state. At Wakefield Kennel staff members can alleviate stress through the Nature Walks and Playtime sessions.

Health & Welfare:

Stresses brought on by the pet owner leaving may cause an illness to come on quickly. Disorders such as intestinal bloat, diarrhea and heatstroke need prompt attention or the pet may suffer needlessly. Home accidents such as ingesting household poisons, injuries or bee stings can be fatal if not treated immediately. At Wakefield Kennel pets are monitored throughout the day & evening by staff trained to recognize early signs of illness. This prevents problems from escalating. Staffing at Wakefield Kennel allows the pet to be taken to your veterinarian immediately if needed, and ensures the veterinarian's instructions are followed throughout the convalescence. A pet checker may not notice a problem until a late check, at which time the pet may be critical and need the services of an emergency clinic, at a greater cost to the owner. Should problems occur moments after a pet checker leaves, it may be many hours before it is noticed - a very serious and possible deadly delay. Pets on medication should receive it on schedule and be monitored for side effects and other symptoms. Extra effort must be made to keep the convalescing pet comfortable, clean, eating, eliminating and to make follow-up visits to the veterinarian.

THE NEXT TIME YOU PLAN A VACATION,
REMEMBER THESE DIFFERENCES ARE FOUND AT: