Okay, maybe doggie daycare isn't the cat's meow. I suspect cats would not like that much. Nor would dogs. However, I was having dinner with a friend recently and she revealed that her mother, who has two dogs, engages doggie daycare at least 2-3 times a week.

Not only that, but the dogs are picked up at the house by a van! Can't you just see all the dogs sitting at the windows of the van, looking out, barking at everything they see? Well, it doesn't work that way. The van picks the pups up in crates. Which means crate training is an important part of being a good pet owner. (link is to example of a company that uses a van, not indicative of the particular petcare business discussed here - primarily because my friend couldn't remember the name of it.)

Now, that's the cat's meow. Or, is it the dog's woof-woof?

My friend and I laughed about this whole idea - dogs going to daycare for socialization and walking and just getting some extra attention when their owners are working or at other appointments. And yet, it's not so funny. It's a sign of the times. We want to make sure our dogs are getting the proper health and exercise and if we're unable to do it, we're willing to hire others to do it.

I do know that pet-sitting is showing up in articles more and more. Many of us just don't want to put Fido in a kennel, while we're on a business trip or a vacation resort that doesn't allow dogs. So, a pet sitter that comes twice a day to feed and walk our dog, is a great option. Or, a pet sitter that our dog can visit and get to know, so he can stay with her while we're away, gives us peace of mind.

It seems to me that having pet health insurance is also a way to have peace of mind. I would certainly want to know my dog was covered in the event of an accident while the pet sitter was walking her, or some other issue or emergency. Wouldn't you?