Know of a good pet sitter or boarding?
Kristin emails:
I know you've done posts in the past asking for reader suggestions about good haircuts, doctors, etc, and since travel season is coming up, I was wondering if you could do a post about pet sitters?
I definitely don't want to hand the keys to my apartment and the care of my cats over to someone I've randomly picked without recommendation.
We totally understand where Kristin is coming from -- knowing the office dog is well cared for makes one less thing to worry about when traveling.
This might not help Kristin's exact situation because she has cats, but Otto has vacationed at Happy Tails in Altamont. The facilities are nice and the owners were very friendly. They even got one of Otto's favorite toys back to us after we left it behind. As far as we can tell, they don't have a website, but here's a pdf brochure with contact and other info.
From what we understand, the Hounds on Hudson people, who do dog walking, also do cat visits. They seem really nice and cool. (Here's an AOA piece about them.)
Anyone have suggestions for Kristin? Or even some good boarding, pet sitting, or walking experiences that might help other people? Please share!
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Comments
When I go away I bring my cat to Cornell's Cat Boarding in Glenmont on Route 9W. It is run by a family and the cats stay an air conditioned/heated building. They take them out (one at a time) to play with them at least once a day! I've had no problems with them and I would definitely recommend them. They don't have a website but you can find their contact info on Google.
... said Jen on Jun 17, 2010 at 2:46 PM | link
If you are in East/North Greenbush, Wynantskill, West Sand Lake or Upper Rensselaer try Purrfect Petsitting http://www.purrfectpetsitting.net/
I know the owner and though I haven't used her services (I'm out of the area serviced) I know she is very responsible and caring.
... said julie on Jun 17, 2010 at 2:57 PM | link
Thanks for the post! Hounds on the Hudson seems really impressive, we'll definitely contacting them. ^_^
... said Kristin on Jun 17, 2010 at 3:04 PM | link
http://www.petsatease.com/index.html
Meg at Pets at Ease is the best.
... said jro on Jun 17, 2010 at 6:22 PM | link
If you're in Saratoga County, Muttley Crew pet sitting is really great. They'll do anything you need, my friends have really loved them.
... said christina on Jun 17, 2010 at 9:37 PM | link
I second Purrfect Petsitting!
... said CM on Jun 18, 2010 at 8:18 AM | link
Some of the veterinary techs at Parkside (463-0418) will come to your home for cat sitting. I haven't used them yet, but all of the techs are very gentle with my high-strung kitty.
My cat had a terrible experience at Just Cats. She was very frightened and was held down by three people to get her daily meds. I was surprised to hear this, because I give her meds every day with ease. Kitty was also returned to me matted with days-worth of her own urine and feces. I have never felt such guilt...I'm the one who sent her there. I had to bathe her twice to get rid of the smell. I do NOT recommend Just Cats.
... said Kerosena on Jun 18, 2010 at 9:30 AM | link
I second the Meg from Pets at Ease recommendation for at home sitting. She's quirky, but totally reliable, even when a massive snowstorm hit while we were away.
I also took my boys (dogs) to the Altamont Country Kennels recently and they are really, really good. I'm the pickiest person in the world when it comes to pet care and I will definitely be using them again. I met a couple of people boarding their cats there and they were very happy with the service.
... said Gretchen on Jun 18, 2010 at 11:28 AM | link
We're from Albany and we have boarded our German shepherd several times at Weston Kennels in Westerlo. It's a very pretty drive out in the country, and the property is immaculate. They also raise chickens and sell eggs!
Weston is run by Chris and Eileen Testo - their number is 797-9252. They were recommended to us by Parkside Veterinary in Albany.
... said Lisa on Jun 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM | link
We use Critters Choice and have been very happy with them :
http://www.critterschoice.com/indexa.html
... said Joely on Jun 19, 2010 at 1:42 PM | link
I was actually thinking of asking this question myself. I lve in Cohoes and for at home sitting I use Missy's Pet Sitting. She's out of Waterford. My dog is very skittish arond new people, but it was only a few minutes before she warmed up to Lynne, so I was very impressed.
... said Ryan on Jun 22, 2010 at 7:35 PM | link
My buddy runs the Choco Chase Center out of his house. He primarily does boarding, but will do select doggy daycare and walks. The thing that's great about his place is that he converted his home into a dog friendly and safe environment. He treats your dog like he does his. Constant play, walks and hangout time. It's actually kind of amazing when you go there and see it for yourself. Oh yah, and he's located just off Lark Street, so for all of you Center Squarer's you won't have to go far.
... said Tim on Jul 14, 2010 at 4:03 PM | link