I can send you a private message about the person who pet sits for us, she's honest and a good person. She's got a small pet sitting business, and doesn't house sit, but she comes in and feeds and plays with our cats,  for $15 a visit, I think it is.

Superior Animal Hospital/Boarding Suites are very good.  Kinda pricey, but worth it, I think.

We use Harbor City Kennels.

I think there's a great short story in your pet sitting experiences.  Are you sure you're ready to give up the adventure?

That said, I have no idea as a non-dog owner, but I discovered that Grand Casino in Hinckley has quite an elaborate pet kennel area as part of its trailer resort.  Maybe they would take your animals for a good price if you are on your way to the Cities anyway.

My shy, older medium size dog had a bad experience at Amity. I will never ever go there again, even though it is very close.

Harbor City or Northland both are great in our experience.

Hinckley's is closed for the season, FYI (we camped there the weekend of 10/14 and saw the sign).  Just a FYI.  Hope you find someone reliable!

There are many trustworthy private sitters.  I know of one lady who is so kind to animals and tip toes around the houses she watches.
 
Seems like that was just a bad experience.  Don't give up!  The animals would be more comfortable at home.

I agree with nimo. As a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner I know how important it is for pets to be comfortable and cared for properly. It can be just as traumatic for a bad home pet sitter as it is for a poor kennel experience. However, I do prefer an at home sitter if I can find a good one. With older dogs often kennels can be a difficult experience, especially if they are used to having their own space at home, quiet, a routine, and a free run of areas at home. Be careful when choosing a kennel! Also, try to find a place that keeps your dogs together (one being large and the other small). 

I could recommend a few very good dog sitters in the Duluth area if you are interested. Good Luck!

We used Amity for over 15 years and are thrilled to have such a caring place for  our large dogs.  Our second dog had been badly mistreated at another local kennel-she always came home in a happier state of mind from Amity than at the other place. The current dog adores the owner and tries to lick her face.

We use Kennelz and Bitz in Moose Lake (wrong direction I know) BUT the care is BEYOND wonderful and my dogs are thrilled whenever they go.  Lots of time outside in the run playing fetch (2 labs) and they are EXTREMELY clean and the kennels they are in overnight are huge.  I have recommended them to several friends and they have all loved it.  The couple have been trying to sell for a long time but I think theyre being picky.  If I could afford the place, I'd buy it-they have a great set up.  They have a website.  It's under 30 for two dogs per night.  And if you go a week you get a little discount too.  Seriously, I can't say enough good about them, I kind of wished I needed them more often and could afford to board more often because my dogs love it.

I used amity a few times and my dogs HATED it.  The woman was VERY nice but the dogs were kept in crates all weekend separate from each other.  My dogs always stay together and honestly, being in crates (the plastic kind nonetheless) for all but pee time and some play time...not ok with me at all.

I frequently use Harbor City Kennel and highly recommend them. The dogs have access to a pond and trails and are let out early in the day and more frequently during the day.

Now I'm curious about the vetting process that lead to the Mt Dew ashtray!

Call Janet at Waggin' Tails - 218.525.4842
Extremely attentive to all dogs (and cats too), competitive prices, flexible!
Also I would agree with the recommendation of  Robin at Stay at Home Pet Care - she is amazing too!