DogVacay, Victoria

When dog lovers travel, DogVacay keeps their pups out of impersonal kennels and connects them with responsible canine hosts in their city. Instead of awaiting their owner's return in a kennel cage, dogs get the run of the house along with daily walks, challenging games of Scrabble, and playtime with well-socialized animals. Owners can browse thousands of profiles from professional pet-sitters, retired veterinarians, and fellow dog lovers based on location, home size, and family pets. Each host undergoes a five-step vetting process that includes an online application, reference checks, a phone interview, online training, and community reviews. DogVacay sitters can also watch cats and other animals, and offer daycare, walking, training, and some claim professional credentials such as training expertise or pet CPR. To ensure peace of mind, DogVacay provides insurance and 24/7 support as well as photo updates of the dog’s stay.