Thanksgiving is a few weeks off, winter break is right behind it, and you’re probably already figuring out who’s going where. If you have a dog or cat staying home, you’re also wondering when to call a pet sitter Boulder. I wish I could give you one number. I can’t provide a specific number, but I can explain my thought process on the matter.
Why I Can’t Provide You a Date
Booking four weeks in advance isn’t a guarantee, and booking two weeks in advance isn’t a disaster either. It depends on who else is traveling that week. The holidays squeeze everyone’s trips into a few days, so those days fill first. I have only so many nights and hours, and a holiday week doesn’t give me any more.
I recommend that individuals contact me as soon as they have confirmed their travel dates. You don’t need airline tickets. A good starting point is to say, “We’ll be gone Wednesday through Sunday with one dog.”
What’s on My Agenda
I decide how many dogs I can take based on overnight spots, walks, meals, and medications that all fall in the same time frame. An older dog on medication takes more of my day than a healthy adult sleeping through the afternoon. Driving from home to home is another time-consuming part of pet sitting Boulder.
Boulder has its busy seasons, too. People leave for ski trips, summer vacations, fall and spring breaks, and big weekends at the university. If your trip falls in one of those, call earlier than you think you need to.
Tentative Dates Are Okay
If you aren’t sure yet, say so. Once you’ve booked your travel, send me the actual dates, and let me know if they change.
The last details matter more than most people expect. If your flight is at 7 a.m., I might stop by for a morning walk, but if it’s in the middle of the afternoon, I probably won’t. A late flight home changes dinner and the last bathroom break. It doesn’t matter how many nights you’re gone. What matters is how many hours your dog is actually alone.
When you reach out, let me know:
- Your dates and approximate departure and return times
- The number of pets you have and their ages
- Whether you need overnight care, drop-ins, or walks
- When your pet eats, plus any medications
- Anything I should know about, such as a dog who sneaks out of doors or barks at strangers
If You’re New to Me
First-time clients can book a meeting before the trip. You can come see my three-bedroom house and backyard, or I can come to your place, and you can tell me what a normal day looks like for your dog. It’s also when we discuss emergencies and the little things that matter, like where the leash is or what noise makes your dog anxious.
Don’t wait until the last week to do this. Give yourself time to consider other options if something doesn’t feel right.
If You’ve Used Me Before
Being a regular customer does not guarantee that your preferred dates will be available. A normal weekday schedule doesn’t cover a holiday trip, and a text from last spring isn’t a reservation. Please send a new request with the dates.
What Is the Best Care for Your Dog?
Walks and drop-ins can work well for a healthy adult dog who is fine being left alone between visits. Puppies, senior dogs, dogs on medication, and dogs who fall apart when the house is empty usually need someone to stay overnight, preferably at your house. Sociable dogs who like company often do well at my place, which has a big backyard. You can also combine services, such as a morning walk and an overnight stay. If you’re finding it difficult to decide, please share your dog’s routine with me, and we can work together to find a suitable solution.
Before you go, make sure I have your veterinarian’s number, an emergency contact, feeding schedules, access to your house, and any information about your dog’s behavior, such as a history of escaping or a fear of fireworks. Restock food and medicine the week before, too. It’s no fun running low on kibble the night before a flight.
The Cost
Holiday rates vary by sitter, so be sure to ask up front. Happy Hound charges $30 per hour for walks. Overnight care at my place is $60 for one dog and $75 for two dogs. For one dog, overnight care at your home costs $85, while for two dogs, it costs $100. Rates may change, so confirm them when you book.
FAQ
1. When should I schedule a Boulder pet sitter for the holidays?
You should schedule a Boulder pet sitter once you are fairly confident about your travel dates. Major holidays usually fill faster than regular weeks, but no lead time is guaranteed.
2. Do I need to make a reservation before buying airline tickets?
You can start by checking availability. Inform the sitter that the dates may change and provide the final times once you book the trip.
3. Do repeat customers need to ask about holiday dates?
Yes. Please send a request to confirm, as being a regular client does not automatically secure your dates.
4. What if I make a reservation and then change my plans?
Tell your sitter as soon as you know. Giving advance notice gives them the best chance to adjust.
5. What’s the difference between dog boarding and pet sitting in Boulder?
Pet sitting is normally a drop-in schedule or in-home care. Boarding means your dog stays at the caregiver’s home or a facility. Ask what’s included, because some sitters offer both.
6. How do I know if a pet sitter is the right fit?
Get to know them first. Observe how they treat your dog, ask about their emergency plan, and check the dog’s space. You can learn a lot from how your dog reacts.
Conclusion
The best time to call a Boulder pet sitter is when your dates are likely, not when your suitcase is half packed. Please share details about your pet’s day, schedule a time to meet, and provide me with the dates. If you’re planning a holiday trip, visit HappyHound. life or call me at 530-220-5242.