Did you know that there are Meet-up groups all around the world? I'm a member of one called Denmark Catsitting Exchange. We meet every couple of months for dinner in town - sometimes at someone's house. The group I'm in are mostly foreigners who need and offer catsitting. It's great because you don't have to send your cat in a "hotel" and you know the person who looks after your cat loves it and knows about cats.
There are of course dog groups also.
You should check it out!
http://cats.meetup.com/
I found this list:
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