Macy Moore
Owner, MoorePetLove · Oakville, ON
There's a certain kind of pre-trip anxiety that has nothing to do with flights or hotels — it's the nagging worry about who's looking after your dog while you're gone. Getting this right before you travel makes the whole trip better. Here's how I'd approach it.
Good pet sitters book up. Especially in the summer, around long weekends, and over the holidays, the most trusted local sitters in Oakville can fill up weeks or months in advance. If you have a trip coming up, start the search at least a month out. Two months is better for peak travel times.
Word of mouth is the best possible way to find a dog sitter. Post in your neighbourhood Facebook group or on Nextdoor and ask who other local dog owners use and trust. The people who already live near you — who know the area, maybe know your dog — are your best resource. Online platforms have their place, but a personal recommendation beats an algorithm every time.
Never book a sitter you haven't met in person with your dog present. Watch how your dog responds to them. A dog who's immediately comfortable with someone is a very good sign. A dog who stays tense and avoidant the whole time is worth paying attention to.
How many other pets will be in the home at the same time? What's the plan if my dog gets sick or injured? Have you dealt with emergencies before? What does a typical day look like for the dogs in your care? A sitter who's done this for a while has clear, confident answers to all of these.
Before you leave, get clear on how often you'll hear from them. Daily photos and a check-in message should be the baseline expectation. You shouldn't have to chase your dog sitter for updates while you're trying to enjoy your trip.
MoorePetLove takes boarding bookings well in advance, especially around long weekends and the summer. Lock in your dates and set up a meet and greet before you leave.