Summer sitting costs can be a real pet hate
IT’S a dog’s life for animal-loving holidaymakers, as many face the extra cost of making sure pets are well looked after while away.
More than half are lucky enough to persuade friends and family to look after their furry friends for free, but nearly a third face bills of up to £25 a day.
This adds £131 on average to holiday costs, but can rise to more than £200 where people pay for “home away from home” options.
Research from GoCompare Pet Insurance found that one in five pet owners uses a kennel or a cattery during holidays.
The average cost of placing a dog in kennels is £15 per day, but six per cent opt for home boarding where the pet lives in someone’s home and this costs around £25.
Catteries are slightly cheaper, with charges of around £10 per day while professional cat sitters charge up to £10.
GoCompare consumer advocate Georgie Frost said if you have several pets a house sitter may prove more cost effective: “Expect to pay £45 to £60 per day for someone to spend most of their time at your home with your pets.”
A growing number of websites now offer house-sitting services, including HouseSittersUK.co.uk and TrustedHouseSitters.com.
This has the added benefit of your house being occupied while you are away on holiday.
Frost said do your homework as school holiday periods can be booked up quickly: “Care providers will also want proof of adequate pet insurance in case your pet needs emergency treatment while you are away.”