Portland Pet Boarding

Portland pet boarding is an important decision because you want to make sure your dog, cat, or other pet is safe and comfortable while you are away.  You have several different options to choose from.  Portland pet sitters will often come to your home and in addition to caring for your pet will also take in your mail, turn lights off and on, and generally keep an eye on things and make your home looked lived in while you are away.  Another option to consider are Portland pet hotels.  Pet hotels have changed a lot over the years, and many offer modern conveniences to make sure your dog or cat has the ultimate in care and comfort.

How to Select the Right Portland Pet Boarding

When selecting the right option for you, think through these questions.

Would your pet be more safe and comfortable in your own home, or in a secure environment where he can be monitored?

Does your pet have any medical conditions or need medication?  If your pet needs monitoring or special care, be sure the Portland pet sitter or boarding facility is aware of it.  Most are trained in administering medication and this will not be a problem.  Be sure you provide your veterinarian contact information so they may contact your vet if any medical guidance is needed while you are away.  You may also sign a paper authorizing your vet to perform some medical care if they are not able to reach you while you are gone.

Is your pet up to date on his vaccinations?  This will generally be a requirement for any Portland pet boarding at a dog hotel or other boarding facility.  If you cannot vaccinate your pet due to health problems, you may need to speak to your veterinarian about options.  Make sure you notify your pet sitter ahead of time, if this is the case.

Does your pet get along with other pets, or should he be kept alone?  If your dog needs to be kept away from other dogs, or is simply more comfortable, ask your Portland pet boarding facility if they can accommodate your request, or consider a pet sitter instead.

Do you prefer your pet has individual one on one attention and daily walks?  If so, a Portland pet sitter who comes to your home might be a better option than a Portland pet hotel.

Do you want other house sitting type services in addition to pet sitting?  For example, do you want your house lights turned off and on to make your house look lived in while you are away?

When hiring a Portland pet sitter, always ask your friends and families for references, and be sure to ask the dog sitter or boarding facility for references as well.  Check on-line reviews and see if you can get a sense of how other clients felt about the boarding facility.  Be sure to contact at least a few of the pet sitter’s clients to make sure they were happy with the services.  This can really give you peace of mind.

Give yourself plenty of time, at least a few weeks or more–before you need to board your pet, so you will have time to interview pet sitters and tour facilities.  It would be best if you could have the pet sitter come to your home so you can see them interact with your pets.  Of course, in the case of pet hotels, you will want to come in for a tour of Portland pet boarding facility ahead of time.  Dropping in unannounced might seem rude, but can also give you a chance to see the facility and employees  in action when they aren’t in sales mode.

Here are some questions to ask:

What will my pet’s day and night be like?

What are the sleeping accomodations?

How much will my pet interact with other animals?

Is there group play time?

Are there any extra charges for walks, play time, individual time, etc.?

What will be done if my pet gets sick while I am away?

Are food and other treats provided?

Discuss all rates for service and how payment is expected.

The better prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel trusting your pet’s care to someone else while you are gone.

Contact the National Association of Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) for additional information.

Portland Pet Boarding and Pet Sitters Portland Oregon – Map

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If you’d like to learn more about local Portland resources for your dog, visit the Portland social network for dog lovers at www.pdxdog.com.

Another helpful pet friendly resource for Portlanders is PortlandPooch.com.