As a dog owner, planning a vacation means ensuring your dogs well-being while you're away. Options for caring for your dog exist, Here's a guide to help you decide:
Table of Contents
- Leaving Your Dog with a Friend or Family Member
- Hiring a Pet Sitter
- Pet Boarding Services
- Taking Your Dog with You
- Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
Leaving Your Dog with a Friend or Family Member
One reliable option is to leave your dog with a friend or family member. This is often comforting for both you and your dog, as they'll be in a familiar environment. Your friend or family member can keep your dog's daily routine, easing separation anxiety. This option is a good idea for dogs that thrive on consistency.
When leaving your dog with friends:
- Skills: Ensure they have the necessary skills to properly care for your dog.
- Emergency planning: Provide clear instructions for any emergencies.
- Contacts: Make sure the pet sitter has contact details for local emergency vet hospitals and can provide transportation.
Hiring a Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter is another great option. A pet sitter can provide care for your dog in your home. This reduces stress for your dog and keeps their daily routine intact. Pet sitters provide basic pet care, like feeding, walking, and playing, giving you peace of mind.
When hiring a dog sitter:
- Check References and Reviews: Look for recommendations from other pet owners.
- Initial Introduction: Ensure your dog is happy with the pet sitter during their first meeting.
- Emergencies: Provide clear instructions for any emergencies.
- Contact Information: Make sure the pet sitter has contact details for emergency vet hospitals and can provide transportation.
- Insurance: Ensure the sitter holds insurance to care for dogs.
Pet Boarding Services
Pet boarding offers a safe and structured environment for your dog. When boarding your dog, choose a boarding facility that meets your standards. These facilities can cater to a range of needs and wants.
Types of Pet Boarding Services:
- Kennels: Traditional kennels provide a secure space for dogs. They offer individual or group play sessions.
- Dog and Cat Hotels: These facilities offer amenities like grooming and pet spas.
- In-Home Boarding: Some pet owners prefer in-home boarding, where the dog stays with a pet sitter in their home.
When choosing pet boarding services:
- Visit the Facility: Assess the cleanliness and safety of the environment.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the facility has proper licensing, insurance, and trained staff.
- Review Policies: Understand their health and emergency procedures.
Taking Your Dog with You
In some cases, it's possible to take your dog with you on vacation and not leave your pet. Many destinations are pet-friendly, offering places to stay and activities for dogs and their owners. If you opt for this, ensure thorough planning: check pet policies of airlines, hotels, and other locations you'll visit.
Things to Consider:
- Travel Plans: Research airlines' pet policies and book direct flights to reduce stress.
- Hotels: Look for hotels with amenities for dogs.
- Activities: Plan pet-friendly activities with ample exercise.
- Emergency Contacts: Make sure you have the contact details for local vets and can provide transport.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
When leaving your dog at a kennel, planning is crucial. Start by getting your dog used to the kennel by booking short stays before your trip to ease the transition.
Before boarding, focus on exercise to burn off energy. Provide comfort items like toys or a blanket with your scent. Remain calm during drop-off, as dogs can sense their owners' emotions.
Additional Tips
- Health: Ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date.
- Diet and Feeding: Provide the boarding facility with your dog's regular food and feeding instructions.
- Emergency Contact: Leave an emergency contact list, including your vet's information and a trusted friend or family member.
In Summary
With many options for your dog when your on vacation.
Leaving your dog with a friend or family member is a good option. You can also hire a pet sitter. Using a boarding service is another choice. Taking your dog with you is also possible.
Proper planning and choosing the right kennel or caregiver will ensure your furry friend has a positive and stress-free time while you're away.
Written by Patrick St-Louis for Kennel Club Boarding.