Please talk to me about dog sitting?

[GoneScones]

I'm in a bit of a tailspin. Got a holiday booked for August, and a family member was going to have our family dog as always. Family member now can't do it (due to something very tricky and unavoidable). So we have two months to sort something or cancel the (non-refundable) holiday.

The thing is, our dog is nervous, not good with other dogs, and takes quite a while to get used to people. We have only ever left her with family members before. She sleeps on the bed with us (or the relevant family member). She's very sweet, and loves people once she knows them, but she's not "easy". She's very clean, portable, and impeccably toilet trained, and she's not risky round kids, but I feel like these requirements mean it's going to be impossible to find somewhere for her to stay - or someone to come here, at such short notice. I've looked online, but how on earth do you know who to trust? Argh. Are we doomed? Do we have enough time? Any experiences?

Rover.com but only use sitters with multiple excellent reviews.
It is a bit late in the day, so I would expect a good sitter can charge around £50 per night - some charge more- but it's worth it for the right person and environment.

As a couple of others have said do also look at higher end kennels - my dog can be a bit anxious, not interested in other dogs or people and kennels suit him far more than a home boarder. We tried a few home settings (both at our house and theirs) and he really struggled to settle. The kennels are great, he adjusts to the routine really quickly and they will keep me updated on how he is. I’m sure he’d prefer to be at home but he comes home looking well and not stressed. I do hate leaving him though!!

I think you have two options. One is to ask at your vets if any of the nurses do house sitting. This worked very well for us when our elderly dog got more anxious and it was reassuring that he had a professional with him. He went to the surgery with her every day and loved being pampered by them all!

Alternatively, find a local dog walker who also takes pets for holiday stays and start using them now. Your dog will get used to them on walks a couple of times a week, then arrange for the dog to stay at their house during the day, then to stay one overnight and build it up gradually. You've probably just about got time so it's not too rushed.
Good luck!

I do home from home and home at home. Try and find someone via word of mouth who has insurance and is used to ‘nervous’ dogs then use the next couple of months to build a relationship. I have done this with several ‘nervous’ dogs so they know me..I meet them in their own house for a quick visit first, then do an hour without owner there, then a walk then go from there building gradually. I either bring them to stay at my house or live in with them depending on what the owner wants.
There are plenty of us who do it for the love of animals and some extra pin money not as a full on business with lots of dogs at one time. The trick is finding one you trust.

@Potentialmadcatlady if you don't run it as a business, does this mean you aren't licensed and insured?

It's an expensive option but you could look for a house sitter? If you live in a part of the world that sees frequent visitors for touristy stuff you'll have a better chance of a reasonable cost.

A friends daughter does this with her boyfriend very regularly for nominal cost. Mid 20's, they both love animals but financial circs mean they both still live at home. With hybrid working a couple of weeks in someone else's house is a bit like a holiday for them even though they are still working.

Another vote for Rover! 2 months is plenty to meet few sitters in a park setting, have a trial run (stay for 1 night). We have two go-to sitters (both are actually families with children), both fully insured and licensed with council.

I'd like to know this too.

Anyone who boards dogs and cats in their home for profit needs to be licensed by the council.

I posted below with thoughts as a dog walker. I do agree with the posters suggesting you consider kennels for several reasons:

I feel it's a bit like the nanny vs nursery situation. Loads of reasons why a nanny may be preferable- all of those reasons rely on them to be good at their job and God forbid not neglectful etc.. I accept issues can occur in nursery settings but due to the number of workers, inspections etc you're less at the risk of one bad apple.

Similarly a house sitter can be a great option (believe me, I do it on occasion). But you are putting all your eggs in one basket and sadly given that dogs, like young kids, can't speak it is possible that they aren't looked after properly at best and neglected at worst.

Whereas in a kennels you have lots of staff, rules, procedures, inspections etc..

I think one of the most off putting things for some people about kennels is that the individual kennels don't look very homely. But we have to bear in mind that as long as they have a nice soft bed, blankets, water, and aren't too hot or cold most dogs are quite happy- they don't need a view, or wallpaper. The kennels are like that so that they can be kept sanitary, and so should a clever, or a big heavy escape artist have to be housed it cannot escape, or hurt itself trying to do so- so no wood that can be chewed, etc..

Worth a thought....

I am both, I just don’t use it as a way of making lots of money more just enough to cover costs with a bit extra. I could have up to six dogs in my house at a time (£25 for 24hour period) but I don’t. I have one at a time because that’s what I feel comfortable with for both me and the dog ( I have two of my own)

I am both. Insurance costs approx £120 and License costs £180 per year. So very easy to cover those costs and still keep numbers v manageable. My clients prefer that I have lower numbers in house so it’s much calmer

If you can find a kennels with space, I would also say this. My dog is nervy HATES the vets, not great with other dogs, sleeps with us, but honestly bounds into the kennels with waggy tail. You will have to be up with vaccinations though and most likely kennel cough. I would ask around now.

I can validate this company. I’ve used them for my cats for years and the sitters are carefully vetted, fully insured and work under very strict rules. I’ve had three brilliant sitters over the years. They are actually called The Home Service. E-Mail address as above.

Another good kennel fan here. Secure, needs met, usually very accommodating and knowledgeable.

Where are you going?
Bit off field I know but if in the UK can you take her with you? Surprising how many hotels will allow a little well behaved dog if asked directly even if they don’t advertise as being pet friendly?
Of course if you’re going abroad it’s different.