As dog owners, one of the biggest issues we can face is when we want to go on holiday. Your dog is a treasured and important member of your family. Understandably, you are not happy to leave them just anywhere or with anyone.
How do you find the perfect kennel or sitter for your dog?
If you are looking at options for housing or homing your dog when you go away, there are three main solutions to explore. We will look at the pros and cons of each one.
Dog kennels
This option is often the most affordable and it remains a popular dog boarding solution for many. It can be more stressful for the dog though as the living conditions will be far removed from the cosy home life they are used to.
Most boarding kennels have separate pens for each dog in their care and a communal run for exercising. But not all kennels are created equal so how do you find a reputable dog boarding kennel?
Recommendations are always the best way forward. Luckily the digital age makes it easier than ever to find reviews and opinions, so do be sure to check those out before you book. Be careful if relying on reviews posted directly to their own website, as those can be massaged, shall we say. Look for comments made on independent review sites.
It is essential to check out the kennels in person before making your choice. They may make it look great in an online photo but going there can sometimes reveal a different story. Ask to see what the kennel and pen areas are like, check that there is adequate shelter from the weather, and make sure each dog has their own little outdoor access area for toileting and an area for their bed.
Questions to ask include whether your dog will have their own kennel area, how often your dog is let out of the kennel for exercise, whether they can accommodate any special needs your dog might have, and so on. It is also worth asking if you can bring your dog’s own bed. It is worth doing as it will be their one home comfort.
When you visit a kennels for inspection, don’t be surprised if some of the dogs look and sound stressed. Even the best dog kennels will have dogs who don’t look pleased about their stay. It is unfortunately the nature of this kind of environment. Obviously though, if the dogs staying there look unclean or neglected in any way, make a quick exit.
If your dog is not keen on other dogs, is prone to being snappy or dominant, do let the kennel staff know. Most kennels will socialise and exercise the dogs in groups. If your dog is not comfortable in those situations, you need to ask if the can be exercised alone.
Finally, make sure you know the kennel’s hours for drop off and pick up. These will often be slightly different from their opening and closing hours and many kennels may be closed to dropping off or picking up on Sundays or weekends.
Dog sitters – home and away
A dog sitter is often a more expensive option but you are hopefully getting a more personal service and homely for your dog. There are two options with dog sitters. There is the sitter who comes to live in your home as a live-in sitter for your dog and then there is the sitter who will care for your dog in their own home. Each has their own unique pros and cons.
A sitter coming to your house is often much better for your dog as they will be in familiar surroundings, which can really help if they are the type of dog who is going to pine for you or get anxious. You do need to consider though how you feel about having a stranger in your home unattended, how you feel about them using your utilities and other things in your house. It can also be a lot of extra work for you beforehand, which is what you don’t really need on top of organising your own holiday. For example, you will need to leave clear instructions about not only your dog’s care but also how certain things work in your house work (the oven, the central heating) etc…
Having your dog stay at a sitter’s house can be a little bit more stressful for most dogs, but it is less organising for you and you don’t have the extra worry of someone being in your home. But you do need to check them and their home out in advance of making your booking. Request a pre-booking visit so you can check that the sitter and their home are to your liking and needs.
Ask how many dogs they sit at one time. Don’t just assume that your dog will be the only dog, unless they expressly say so. Also check areas of their home that make be a danger to your particular dog. For example, if your dog can jump or is an escape artist, check if their garden fences are high enough and secure with no gaps. Ask the sitter to show you where your dog will be sleeping and so on. Don’t be afraid to be fussy about this. You are putting your most treasured possession in their care.
Either way, whether you have a sitter in your home or you take your dog to stay in the sitter’s own home, make sure you meet them first. Make sure you do your homework first. Check out their online reviews and recommendations, ask what experience they have and check that they are able to handle and care for your particular dog.
Most dog sitters will be happy to give you daily updates and photos, so don’t be afraid to ask if that is something you would like them to do. If they refuse, that would be a warning sign.
Don’t leave anything to chance
In the weeks leading up to your holiday, start making notes about your dog’s care that you can hand over to the kennels or sitter. You will be surprised how many things you think of. For example you will need to include how much your dog eats and how many times a day they get fed, any medications they take and how often, whether they are dog friendly, whether they need a brush every other day, how they are on walks or with other dogs they meet and so on.
The more prepared you are and the more research you do before hand, the better your holiday will be, with less worries about how your furry pal getting on.
I hope that has helped. Happy holidays!
Author Jenny Prevel, Owner [D for Dog]