Can someone suggest a reputable person or establishment that offers pet-sitting services? It would just be for a day.
Go to your vet's office. Mine has a bulletin board with a bunch of people's info on them who offer services like this. Maybe you could find someone there.
For one day? Put boundaries in your kitchen with some newspaper, and leave a days worth of water and food. If you have any kid neighbors, most will let your dogs outside a couple of times for $10. Make sure you trust them, though. One day won't hurt your dogs at all in the house.
We have used George's Pampered Paws and Creatures Comforts. The latter may only work in the inner loop area. George's is GREAT.
Thanks for the suggestions gentlemen. I will check out some of the vet bbs, as well as Creature Comforts and George's. As far as leaving them by themselves, it's more about what they'd do to the house! Also, dropping $40, and not having the guilt and worry while I'm out of town is way worth it.
That's a big deal. Plus, pet sitters are great because they'll get your mail and give the house a "lived-in" look so that it will appear someone is at home to anyone who might think of robbing the place.
I'm in full agreement for people leaving for the weekend or longer. But my folks have three full grown dogs that they'll leave for a day about once every two weeks to help with my sister and her two kids. I pretty much go by when they're out and let the dogs out for ten minutes, once or twice. The dogs never seemed pissed by that arrangement, and it sure makes it cheaper for my folks.
Fatty, I have some Meximelts with your name on it if you wanna come by this Saturday. I have a lady coming by tomorrow for an interview. This will be my first time, so we'll see how it goes.
To be honest, I live about 10 minutes from my folks, so it's no biggie. If you live near Bellaire, some Meximelt's could persuade me.
You are also assuming that none of the pets have special needs. One of our cats is on medication. We also feed that cat different food. My wife and I worked as pet sitters years ago and found some of the wide range of needs for animals makes a sitter really beneficial even if the trip is short.