The longest I've ever traveled without my pet was for the summer to help out at my Grandma's house. My dog hated being on the plane so I had my mom watch her for the summer, so she was still with family. If it wasn't for my mom petsitting, I won't leave my dog longer than a weekend. I've had couple bad experiences with petsitters and doggy hotels in the past.
I was gone for four days on a business trip and left my dog at one of those doggy hotels that are supposed to be better than just a kennel. They were supposed to let the dogs out to play and exercise them. When I got back, she was in the corner whining. As she gently got out of the kennel, she was so stiff that it was obvious they hadn't been walked. I complained to the manager who made some lame excuse about new staff and gave me a discount. When I got her home, she basically wolfed down half a bag of dog food. Now I won't let anyone I don't personally know take care of my pets.
