Save on dogsitting while you're on vacation

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We're in the dog days of summer and many families are beating the heat by heading on vacation.

Unfortunately, most of the times the four-legged family members aren't invited. That's why DogVacay is here to help.

"DogVacay is a website where you can find an awesome pet sitter that will host your dog in their home and treat your dog like a member of the family while you're on vacation," said DogVacay field marketing manager Erin Hill.

The kennel alternative has thousands of pet sitters all over the country, with hundreds in the Houston area.

"You just go to the website, and I put in my zip code and they will tell you who is near your address," said Dog Vacay customer Alejandra Patino.

Unlike kennels, DogVacay hosts charge a flat fee, without the expensive add-ons for walks and treats.

"Each host is allowed to choose whatever they're comfortable with charging. I keep my price low. I charge $20 per night because I have a dog and I know it can get very costly," said Dog Vacay host Shreyashi Barik.

DogVacay comes with lots of added perks for your pup that a kennel can't provide.

"It's totally different. It's just night and day. At a kennel they're going to be in a crate and they only get twice a day outside runs. But here they come here and stay with us as part of our family," Barik said.

For peace of mind, DogVacay has a very strict screening process to find animal lovers who will be great caretakers for your loved ones while you're away.

"They apply as a host on our website. We only let about 30 percent of the people who apply through because we are very particular about who our hosts are because that's what makes an amazing experience," Hill said.

While your dog is on their own vacay, you'll get photos emailed to you daily to show just how much your pet is enjoying its stay.

"Whenever you leave them in a kennel, you know they're going to walk 15 minutes a day and the rest of the time they will be enclosed. You don't really enjoy it as much as you do when you know that your dog is fine," Patino said.

If a kennel hasn't been the best experience for you pup, he just might love his Dog Vacay home away from home.

"They're going to be treated as one of our family members," said Barik. "Some dogs are so well-behaved, so sweet. It's hard to let them go."