Being a pet owner is a lot like being a parent, and sometimes you need someone else to care for your “child.” Whether you are looking for a service that provides loving support on a daily basis while you work or 24-hour care while you are out of town, leaving your pet with strangers can be a nerve-wracking experience. You don’t have to leave your choice to guesswork though. Follow these recommendations to help assure that your furry ward will be in good hands.

What kind of service?
There is no clear consensus on whether it’s better for your pet to have someone come to your house to stay with them or be boarded elsewhere. Consider the temperament of your pet. Is your animal a loner who prefers to be king of the roost or a social butterfly that could benefit from the company of other animals? The availability of sitters and boarders in your area, the range of services you’re looking for, your budget and your comfort level with various options will help guide your decision.

The most flexible of services, pet sitters can stop by your home on a regular schedule or for the week you’re on vacation, walking, feeding and offering companionship for your pet. They can also stay at your home while you’re out of town, providing routine and company for your animal.

Pet daycare can provide a social way to get your pet out of the apartment while you’re at work. Often, pets only need a few days of daycare a week to help them cope with being at home alone.

If you will be out of town and don’t want to worry about someone staying in your apartment, you can board your pet at a kennel or an increasingly common pet “spa” or “hotel.” These pet resorts can include 24-hour veterinary care in addition to luxuries like grooming, swimming pools and heated floors. For some more help in deciding what kind of service is best for you and your pet, visit PetCareServices.org.

Get a referral
Once you’ve decided what kind of service you’re looking for, it’s time to start asking around. As with most things in life, getting a word-of-mouth thumbs-up on a service from someone you trust is best. Try friends, family, fellow dog-walkers and your veterinarian. It’s a good idea to check with your vet on the recommendations you are considering in any case, as most practices are a good clearinghouse for information from the pet-owner’s grapevine.

Local bulletin boards, such as Craig’s List are also a great resource. Boards like Angie’s List and Kudzu.com are especially helpful since they offer customer reviews. Once you’re narrowed your list, it’s time for some serious investigation.

Making your choice
Choosing your pet’s caregiver is a serious proposition, so don’t rely solely on your referrals. Check with the Better Business Bureau first to make sure there are no complaints on file with the businesses you’re considering.

If you are selecting a pet sitter, ask that person for additional referrals and call them all. Next, schedule an introductory meeting at your home and observe promptness and the chemistry between the potential sitter and your pet. Find out what your candidate knows about caring for your type of pet and go over emergency protocol. Also confirm that the sitter is flexible and can work with your pet’s schedule and any special needs.

When touring a potential daycare or boarding facility, cleanliness is the first thing to look for. Also observe the friendliness of the staff, their ability to handle the animals in their care and their willingness to accommodate pet sensitivities and emergency situations. Find out if the pets are held in open areas or runs and what kind of supervision and activity is provided for the animals. Also check to see if you can bring special toys or blankets for your pet.

Before you say goodbye
Whatever kind of pet service you choose, be sure that your animal’s vaccinations are up to date well in advance of your start date. Give your vet and caregiver each other’s contact information and discuss payment coverage in case emergency care is needed and you are unreachable.

If your pet has special dietary needs, consider pre-portioning its food in plastic sandwich bags to eliminate the guesswork for your caregiver. Bringing your pet’s food to the boarding facility will also help eliminate an upset stomach. Be sure to leave a schedule and detailed instructions for any medication your pet takes.

If you are boarding your pet, consider helping your animal acclimate by visiting the facility for a few hours over a few days before you go. Some introductory time with a new pet sitter, before he or she flies solo with your pet, is also a good idea.

It’s hard enough to say goodbye to your pet, whether you’re leaving for a vacation or just to the office. Take the worry out of choosing who will care for them in your absence by doing your homework, asking the right questions and preparing your animal for the new caregiver. And don’t forget to pass on the benefit of your experience: if you have a good or bad experience with a pet sitter or boarder, be sure to spread the word!