Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Rover.com.  The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

My parents visited me in July and brought their two dogs.

I’ll let you sit on this thought for a moment.

Most people with their two dogs would be just fine as houseguests.  I love my parents and I love these two dogs, but the whole lot of them have issues. I’m sure you could tell from this photo that these are not typical pets.   Cross my heart, nothing is photoshopped in that image (even the smile on the dog’s face. You know you saw it.)  For one thing, my mother’s dogs don’t realize they are dogs.  They think they are people, and for good reason.  Mom cooks and freezes all-natural Paleo style meatloaf for their supper.  When they don’t eat, she feeds them by hand.  One of her dogs requires lots of medications (insulin shots, eye drops for cataracts, the works) so she meticulously plans her schedule around the dogs.  It’s quite a spectacle, I assure you.  My parents never, ever go anywhere longer than a couple of hours because they simply don’t feel comfortable leaving their dogs alone for a long time.  Going on vacation is out of the question.   Boarding the dogs isn’t an option because none of the local kennels will allow both dogs to stay together, and they are just miserable when they are appart.  On the last night of the visit, Chicago was in our hometown for a concert and there was to be a fireworks show afterwards. I encouraged my mom and stepdad to go.  After all, I could take care of the dogs, right?!

Um, no.  No, I couldn’t.

Those dogs stood at the door waiting for mom to come home.  They started barking when they heard fireworks, cars, or a mosquito buzzing by.  I thought I would lose my mind.  I couldn’t remember how much she normally fed them or which medicine was given at what time.  When my mom came home (they skipped the fireworks show) I couldn’t help exclaiming, “Oh Thank GOD!” when they walked through the doors.  On that night, it became clear why my parents don’t travel without their pets.  It’s truly because there’s no one who knows how to care for their dogs the way they do.   But wait, that’s not true!  I’ve learned about a new site that helps to connect dog owners with reliable dog sitters.  If you know someone with the same pet situation, be sure to tell them about Rover.

Rover connects pet owners with the dog sitters of their dreams.   The carefully selected dog sitters provide home-based individualized care.  They follow your petcare instructions to the letter.  We’re talking, letting your dog sleep with them if that’s what the dog is used to.  You can travel without worry because Rover offers sitter insurance, 24/7 access to veterinarians, and an app that allows sitters to send you photos of your pup throughout your dog’s visit.  Since Rover connects you with a local sitter, you can develop a relationship with that sitter.

The site is quite easy to navigate but there are some things to consider before you start searching for your dog sitter. Where would you prefer the dog sitter to come to care for your pets?  Will you need someone to administer medication?   Do you want to have a meet-and-greet so you can meet the sitter before your big day?   Rover can walk you through the steps that will lead you to your perfect dog sitter.  Read through the real-customer reviews and find the person who will best care for your beloved dog.   The rates are extremely affordable; I found them to be comparable to our local vet’s boarding fees.  I’m sure the in-home sitters will provide much more personalized attention and my dog would be more comfortable in a true home instead of in an unfamiliar crate.  Plus first time customers get $25 off with promo code BLOGGER25.

  Do you know a furry friend who would enjoy staying with a dog sitter via Rover?  

Hello vacation — @roverdotcom connects dog owners to dog sitters. First time customers get $25 off. #ad http://t.co/kvMeovnZDx

— Savings in Seconds (@SavinginSeconds) December 5, 2013