If you are going to be away from home over the holiday season, you may not be able to take your much loved family member with you. This means you will need to make sure that he is well-taken care of while you are away.
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For many people, their first thoughts turn to putting their dog into a boarding kennel. This is a good solution because kennels are safe and secure, and your dog is unlikely to escape. You may be concerned about your dog’s comfort level but some kennels these days look more like a luxury bedroom than a kennel. They have soft beds, piped music and even a television. Nonetheless, you may still not like the idea of boarding your dog; fortunately there are alternatives available.
Leave Your Dog with a Friend or Relative
If you have an easy to manage dog (for example he doesn’t need a lot of grooming and doesn’t chew the furniture), ask a family member or friend if they can take your dog. This generally works best if they already have dogs that get along with yours, but sometimes families without their own pet are still happy to take in yours for a few days.
If this isn’t an option for you, don’t worry. You still have a few more to choose from.
Have a Trusted Neighbor Check In
If you can’t leave your dog with someone full-time, an alternative is to have someone visit your home 2-3 times a day to take care of your dog. Generally this means letting your dog outside to go to the toilet (if he doesn’t stay out there or have a doggie door), feeding him, checking his water, and even playing with him to keep him from feeling too lonely.
If you have multiple dogs, this may be your best option. It can be difficult to get a family member to take in 2-3 dogs at a time, even if they’re all well behaved. It’s a lot easier to ask someone to come over a few times a day, and it is likely to be more affordable than a boarding kennel.
Hire a Professional House Sitter
This is a good option if you’re worried about the security of your home and would like someone to keep an eye on it as well as your dog. Having a house sitter stay at your home will both deter thieves and give your dog some company, making him feel secure and happy.
The largest downside to hiring a house sitter is the cost. Unless you have a friend or family member who will do it for free, it can be a fairly expensive investment. But since you’re securing both your dog and your home, it can be worth the investment.
If you’re traveling somewhere that won’t welcome your dog, there’s no need to board him in a kennel if you’d prefer him to stay with a family, or in his familiar home and yard. These other options will keep him just as safe and secure, and perhaps a little more comfortable.
image donated by Julie Fletcher in support of the Indiana Animal Protection League
Author Bio Box:
Dr. Susan Wright, DVM has been providing care for domestic animals for more than a decade. Susan extends her love of dogs through freelance writing on topics that teach owners how to be better caregivers and friends to their loyal companions.
