Above photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/KTWWraps
When you leave town who is going to take care of your dog if you cannot take him along with you? Will you leave him in a kennel or will you privately board? How about having a sitter in your home? There are more options today than yesterday. As Covid restrictions continue to lift people get moving all over the place.
What can a good kennel provide for your dog? Sometimes simply more structure is what your dog needs while you are away; a good kennel can provide this structure. There will be plenty of potty breaks per day and team of workers taking care of the dogs. Kennels are quite the social space for Fido as well as opposed to staying home alone with a sitter. Your dog will have the opportunity to make new friends and play with other pups and dogs all of which will help distract them from you being gone and hopefully easing the separation anxiety all dog owners worry about.
What kind of kennel is best for your dog? This depends upon your dogs specific needs. Are your dogs on medications or have serious health problems? If this is the case you will need to decide upon a boarding kennel at a veterinary clinic where expert care can be quickly obtained.
If you know your dog probably will not enjoy going away to like a "summer camp" atmosphere, then they may fair best at home with a sitter. Today is the day of many choices for dog owners when it comes to babysitting your dog. Do you homework about who you invite into your home as a dog sitter. Be sure to get plenty of references. Ideal of course for a sitter is someone you know and trust very well. Often pet sitters charge less than boarding kennels and they can give your dog one-on-one attention.
If you will be away for a very long period of time it is probably best to avoid leaving your dog home alone and having sitters and walkers drop in. Since dogs are such social animals who bond very closely with their family even lots of visits per day from a sitter or walker cannot be enough to keep the tear drops away; the dog may get lonely, anxious and destructive.
As you research your options you probably will find many experts agree when it comes to finding the perfect boarding solution the key is PREPARATION.
If your go the kennel route talk to your vet and your social network for recommendations and as mentioned before get plenty of references. It is most likely similar to getting a babysitter for your child. You will need to interview in advance prospects if you decide on a sitter or walker. Visit the facilities you find adequate in plenty of time ahead of time of your trip. Pay attention to the dogs already boarding. Are they clean? Are they happy? Are they socializing? Do they look comfortable.
If you have time board your dog at your chosen spot one night to see how things go.
If you decide to go with a private sitter or walker, preparation before the actual event is still the main key. If you don't already have a network of dog walkers and sitters there are plenty of apps and services that connect you to experienced dog walkers and sitters in your area. It is essential you trust them and equally important does your dog trust them and does your dog bond easily to them.
Once you decide, "happy traveling."
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