Know of a good pet sitter or boarding?

otto puppy earsKristin 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!

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.

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.

Thanks for the post! Hounds on the Hudson seems really impressive, we'll definitely contacting them. ^_^

http://www.petsatease.com/index.html

Meg at Pets at Ease is the best.

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.

I second Purrfect Petsitting!

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.

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.

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.

We use Critters Choice and have been very happy with them :

http://www.critterschoice.com/indexa.html

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.

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.

I used to bring my dogs to Trinity Kennels, in E. Nassau NY. Recently they have had new ownership takeover and I couldn't be happier, they have now changed their name to Country Kennels..they are always so happy and friendly. And my dogs love to go there!

Check them out!
www.countrykennels518.com

Also highly recommend, Purrfect Petsitting if you're in their area. I moved across the river and they recommended Love 'em and leave 'em. http://www.loveemandleaveempetcare.com/

I know my cat would hate being brought to a new place so I'd vote for a pet sitter vs. boarding if you can.

This also has some resources.
http://www.localpetsitters.com/

I recommend Cornell's Cat Boarding on Rte 9W in Glenmont, NY. I have used them for years, although I don't go away that often, and have been very satisfied. They genuinely care about the cats, feed them according to my instructions, and let them out of their cages every day.

I do NOT recommend leaving animals at a veterinarian's unless the facility specializes in boarding as well. Although I previously used a different vet than the one mentioned above, the results were just as unsatisfactory. My poor cat had clearly not been well cared for, not to mention left in a room with loud barking dogs. Not happy -- and I'd been gone at least a week!

heidicornellscatboarding.com (518) 767-9095

you can try
trustedhousesitters.com
or
housesittersamerica.com

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