Pet Sitters when Traveling

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Has anyone ever done this?  I know it may sound extreme but since we had a bad experience with a our last dog at a hotel and will be traveling with a puppy to CA next month, I actually went on care.com and hired a pet sitter to stay with Coby while we go out a couple of evenings. I figured it's worth the peace of mind. Or merely over-indulgent???

[Lynda Kamrath]

I don't think overindulgent at all.  Pets should never be left in a hotel room or in a hot car when traveling.  We have cared for pets in our home when their families were traveling and have also traveled with our pets.  Once we were at a family party out of state and we had a sitter come to our hotel room to stay with the dogs while we were at the party.

So, where are you going to be in California?  We are on the central coast and willingly care for doodles when their parents need a sitter for a few hours, days, or weeks.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Hi Lynda - we're going to be in Malibu where we got a place through vrbo.com. I've contracted with a nice young woman who is currently working as a nanny and will be going to vet school. 

That's so nice that you offer to care for doodles! I'm not that familiar with what is considered the "central coast" but just got back last weekend from SLO area (where Coby had been in training ); the area there is beautiful. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You were on the Southern end of the Central Coast.  Lynda is on the northern part ( 100 miles north of where you were) -this is the most beautiful part of California I think.  Malibu ( Los Angeles area) is along Southern California coast.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Agreed, Nancy.  When are you coming up for a visit?  We have a  big driveway perfect for your RV and a great play area for the dogs.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

In my opinion, peace of mind makes it worth it.  You will have to let us know how the trip goes and the dog sitting

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Will do, Diane.  Our next big decision will be whether or not we take Coby with us when we go to the Jersey shore for two weeks this summer. We booked a dog-friendly home rental but wondering if it makes sense to take our precious pooch or leave her where she's accustomed and have our son stay here with her. Any suggestions from your past travels?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Susan -- Let us know how it goes with the Pet Sitter.  I would definitely do this over leaving in the hotel alone.  I would also take Coby with you to the shore.  We just returned from a month in FL with our girls.  They travel very well.  If they can't go, we don't go.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I would do exactly the same thing. Not over indulgent at all.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL...I was just about to ask what care.com was and LO and behold a TV commercial came on! Cool idea and not over indulgence at all!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

We have been taking Hurley whenever we go to Brian Head, Utah.  He loves the snow and travels well.   When we have gone away for a length of time and could not take Hurley we left him with our son and d-i-l.  They have a doodle and lab, plus the twins so Hurley is in an environment he is very comfortable there. Best of all they have a pool and Hurley is definitely a water dog.  As much fun as we know he has there he is very happy to be home.

Personally, I don't like to go anywhere we cannot take Hurley.  Frankly, I miss him to much.   We are going to Sedonna in a few months and taking him with us.  

Personally, I could not leave Hurley for two weeks.  I also think it is good for him to visit other places and be with us rather than home without us.   

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Sedona is great for dog travel - so many dog friendly places there. He - and you - will have a blast; great time of year to go.