PIAA is an industry body for pet store owners, boarding kennel owners and pet groomers etc. Members must comply with a code of practice. Look out for their logo when buying a pet or boarding your animals (Pet Industry Association of Australia Ltd).

When you're going on holiday, it's rarely a good idea to take a pet away with you. Pets don't travel long distances well, and could escape or fret if they're locked in unfamiliar surroundings. Some owners are nervous about sending their little ones to boarding kennels or catteries, but if you do a bit of homework your family pet won't want for much. And you'll also enjoy your holiday more if your know your pet is safe and well cared for. School holidays and Christmas periods are going to be the busiest time for pet boarding, so book well in advance.

Check the local paper and Yellow Pages or ask your local vet for a recommendation. Some vets board animals but may not have the exercise facilities for large dogs.

Always make an inspection - don't just use the pick-up and delivery service many catteries and kennels offer. It's the only way to see if the animals look happy and healthy. Government codes of practice ensure minimum standards.

Ask about staff training. Check a vet attends on a regular basis or can be called as needed. Often veterinary nurses are on staff.

And if you want Fido looking spiffy when you get back (well, what's a holiday for if not to make you look better?), ask if the kennel offers a grooming service.

Always ask to inspect where your pet will actually stay. A good-sized dog run is about 4m long by 1.5m wide by 2m tall. A cat run is about 3m long. Look at the bedding - a trampoline style is good, and check if there is air-conditioning or heating. Some kennels include super-luxurious lodgings for the truly pampered pooch, with human-sized beds, piped music and even a TV!

Dog runs should be equipped with self-watering drinkers. Food is generally included in the price and will be a mix of dry food and canned. Even if you do send along some of your best friend's favourite tucker, the daily rate may not change. Pets are usually weighed regularly and the feeding regime adjusted to suit.

Having an enclosed yard where dogs can exercise is very important. Individual playtime is usually an extra and costs around $2.30 a session. Ask if there is a specially equipped playroom for cats.

The happy pets here are from the Hanrob Pet Care Centre, a large facility in Heathcote, NSW. Phone them on (02) 9520 6633 or visit their site at http://www.hanrob.com.au/

Costs vary for cats and dogs and depend on the season, the day of the week (weekends will cost more), even the age and size of the animal. Small dogs eat less than big dogs and older animals need extra observation.

Your pet's vaccinations must be up to date before they go to a kennel or cattery. Check with your vet about a C5 for dogs (for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus - a form of dysentery, and a double hit of canine cough) and F3 for cats (for feline enteritis, and a double hit against cat flu).

It's no use running out and getting these shots done just before you head off to board your pet. Kennels won't take animals unless the vaccination program has had time to take effect, and that takes weeks. Kennel cough is like a severe cold going round the office, and all kennels diligently protect against it.

It's best to keep your cat inside for a few days to readjust once it's home. And there's no need to feed your cat or dog immediately - allow them time to settle down and get over their excitement at seeing their family again. Even if they act hungry, a wait of a few hours is fine.

If your pampered pet hates the thought of boarding, you may prefer to use a house sitter who'll water the pot plants and mind your four-legged family in your own home. House Minders International in Lindfield, NSW, matches your brief (couple, retiree, pet lover, green thumb, etc) with a house minder, who signs an agreement, pays a bond and looks after Prince, Midnight and the azaleas as requested. If the home owner only requires the service for up to 10 days, the cost is $17 per day. For longer periods, there is an up-front registration of $220 and a daily charge of $3.00 up to 180 days. Contact them on (02) 9979 1955.