Going on vacation and leaving your pets at home?
Time To Travel!
Bags are packed, everything reserved and vacation is about to begin!
You know I love to travel!!
But, I freak out having to leave my fur babies behind. I love dogs as much as traveling 🙂
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While we are away, I worry they are unhappy, maybe not eating well, or not taking their necessary medicine. Our children are grown so the dogs really are the “kids” to us.
We want them to be safe and happy while we are away. We tend to plan vacations far in advance, so the plans include what to do with the dogs.
Take Them Along?
We have two Labradors and a Yorkie. I would love to take them to the beach. Unfortunately, taking them along on vacation is really not an option.
There are some advantages if they could go – we would save boarding or pet-sitting fees, we would be taking care of them, and we could expose them to new and exciting things.
But, there are also disadvantages. Most hotels don’t allow pets, especially large dogs like the Labs. It would be impossible to go to a restaurant and I’m not sure how well they would travel, which would have to be by automobile.
If you do opt to take your pets with you, take your pet for a vet checkup before traveling. Make sure their vaccinations are up to date and take the records with you.
Make sure your pet has an ID on the collar or is microchipped.
If traveling by car, never leave your pet alone in the vehicle!
What Are Your Pet Care Options?
The dogs deserve the best care we can arrange; one where they will be safe and cared for.
Board At Your Veterinarian
Many veterinarians offer boarding options. This is a good choice if you have an elderly pet or one that needs medical attention. A downside to boarding at the vet is the dogs may be exposed to sick animals. Also, at our veterinarian, the staff is not on site 24 hours a day. That leaves the dogs basically unattended during the night. They stay in nice large units that have constant fresh water. We have used this option before, and it went well, but it’s not perfect.
Use A “Spa” Kennel
Many towns now have modern spa-like kennels. The kennels are usually large clean hotel-like accommodations. Spa services are offered such as grooming, special baths, and other pampering services. Pets have their own space but also spend time playing together with other guests. Our dogs are great together, but I’m not sure how they would do in a more social environment.
This may be a good option but could be a costly one.
Another advantage is many spa kennels have webcams where you can keep an eye on your pet. These accommodations often have indoor and covered outdoor areas so your pet can spend some time outside on their own.
Use A Traditional Kennel
Probably more affordable than a spa kennel would be a traditional kennel. These are also clean, separated accommodations in a more “camping” style. Dogs have their own crated area in a climate-controlled environment and are taken care of, just not necessarily pampered.
There won’t be a webcam or indoor/outdoor entrance, but often the caretaker will text you and send pictures.
Hire A Pet sitter / House sitter To Come To Your Home
This is my favorite option. In our case, we are fortunate to have a couple of family members we hire to pet and house sit. We trust them, the dogs know them, and they make some decent money 🙂
We pay them to stay at our home, collect the mail, take care of the dogs and watch over the house. This has worked well for us. We are using relatives, but if that was not an option, there are also sites like Rover.com and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters where you can find bonded and insured sitters.
This option is probably the best as far as your pet is concerned. They are in a familiar environment, with all their routines and toys. Depending on who the sitter is, it may be a bit more expensive. But keep in mind that you are also getting a house sitter which provides a lot of peace of mind.
Take Your Furbaby To a Pet Sitter’s Home
This may be a good alternative to a local kennel.
This allows your dog to experience the comfort of routine in a home environment, and this option is also less expensive than paying someone to stay in your home.
Once your dog establishes a relationship with your trusted sitter, they may actually look forward to their own “vacation”. DogVacay.com. Rover.com and Care.com are sites that can be used to match you and your pet to a pet sitter.
Many times, pet sitters keep more than one animal, so this option is only a good idea if your pet(s) are well behaved and well socialized.
Because every kennel and pet is unique, it’s important to do your research. References and reviews from people you trust will help you decide which option is right for you and your pet.
Getting Ready To Leave Your Pet
Leave detailed instructions when you leave your pet, whichever option you pick. Any pet sitting care requires information for the caregiver. Even if the sitter knows your pet, it is still important to have handy detail instructions where they can easily be found. It is better to leave too much information than too little!
Include information for each pet including schedules, medications, and favorite toys and activities. Make sure your contact information is on the list, even an itinerary if that would be easier for the caregiver. In case of unexpected illness or injury, have your veterinarian address and numbers.
If you have someone staying at your home, be sure to indicate house rules, emergency contacts, security codes and any additional requests like getting your mail.
To ease your pet’s possible insecurities, be sure they have something they like to play with, or even a tee-shirt or something with your smell. If at your home or elsewhere, the sitter will need their leash, their bed, medication, and toys.
I don’t think our dogs have the same sense of time as we do, so it might make things easier for you to remember that they may not realize how long you are gone and may actually like the temporary change of things.
Just Do It!
Finally, just do it. Leave them in good care and enjoy your vacation!
Free Pet Sitter Instruction Printable
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Download your list and go hug your dog!
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