The more technology improves, the more options we have to take care of our pets. Finding a reliable dog walker or pet sitter is as easy as finding someone to date on Tinder; the only difference is that your pet sitter comes with references and ratings.
If I had the option to stay at home and chill with my pets all day while still making a living, I would hop on the opportunity. However, both my husband and I work full-time, and it's not uncommon for me to travel as part of my work. It's essential that we have a plan in place when I'm away or we both have extra busy work weeks.
Remember Hillary Clinton's book It Takes a Village? It can feel like the same concept applies to quality pet care these days. I'm fortunate because my mother and sister have both moved within 30 minutes to my home, so when we're in a pinch Grandma will come over and walk the boys and spend time with them. We don't like to leave our pets alone for more than three or four hours, especially because our older dog needs to use the bathroom more often than in the past.
I know everyone doesn't have the luxury of close-by relatives, but it's important that pet owners have a support system in place, especially if your pets benefit from interacting with others. There are so many affordable solutions in pet care that there's no excuse to not take advantage of local businesses that serve people like you. If you're on a budget, do your research! When I was on the television show Home Made Simple, I learned how to find incredible bargains for home items. This has poured over into all areas of my life. I'm a self-proclaimed bargain hunter!
Take the time to research local pet care specialists. There's everything from pet sitting to personal training for dogs available out there. Then compare the pricing. Find something that works for your budget and feels like it's a level of quality you trust. If possible, get references from people you trust. If your friend has a pet sitter they really love -- go there! Nothing is better than solid referrals from friends you trust.
There are also wonderful products that will work for you while you're away. Pet food dispensers that work on timers, scentless grass patches that you can keep in your apartment, and long-lasting snacks are a few examples of tools you can utilize when you need to step away for a few hours.
Neglecting your pet is not an option. Being a responsible pet owner is a commitment and an investment. If caring for a pet is a priority in your life, you must be willing to do the work to ensure that their needs are met.
I know it can get crazy out there -- I'm not denying that. However, it's important to ask yourself this question before committing to pet ownership: "Do I have enough time to meet all my needs?" If the answer is no, then it's probably not the right time to welcome a critter into your home. Our pets can be an endless channel of love and affection, but we have to remember they're living creatures with certain needs and it's our job to make sure those needs are met.
Jesse Brune-Horan is a healthy and happy living expert living in Los Angeles with his husband, Christopher, and his two dogs, Sammy (age 16) and Bodhi (age 4).
