Sooner or later most pet parents find that they need to be away from home and can't take their pet with them. Finding a solution to where to leave your dog while on vacation can be overwhelming, so today our Laguna Beach vets share advice to help you out.
When You'll Be Away For a Few Days
The question of where to leave your dog while on vacation or away from home can be a difficult one to answer. Whether you are heading out on vacation for a couple of weeks, or off on a business trip for a couple of days, you will need to find appropriate care for your canine companion. At Canyon Animal Hospital our vets understand that deciding which kind of care is best for you and your pet can be challenging, but doing a little research into the options available near you, and what features each service offers, can help to make your decision easier.
Dog Boarding For Vacation & More
While it's true that pet boarding facilities were once grim, dingy places where animals stayed locked in their cages for long periods of time, times have changed!
These days your dog can be pampered and have fun socializing and playing while you're away. Kennels are kept clean and fresh-smelling, and dogs are treated to plenty of love and attention.
Animal boarding facilities now range from luxurious pet spas and doggy summer camps to medical boarding for pups that require extra love and attention - with price points that range from extravagant to affordable.
When deciding which boarding facility to take your dog to, be sure to check out a few different places in your area to find a facility that best suits the needs of your pet, and your wallet.
The Right Level of Service For Your Dog & Your Wallet
Price is generally a good indicator of the level of service provided at any given dog boarding facility. If your dog will be treated to large, well-appointed hotel-style spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and tv to watch, you're going to pay considerably more than you would to board your pet at a standard facility with roomy crates and fenced dog runs.
If you want your pup to enjoy an active adventure while you're traveling, a fun camp experience may be ideal. Dog camps across the country offer loads of time for your dog to explore outdoors, as well as added facilities in some cases for swimming and playing with other dogs.
As you narrow down your list of preferred kennels keep in mind that extravagant facility features don't necessarily equate to better care for your pet.
Standard care for dogs at most pet boarding facilities includes:
- A clean, roomy kennel for your pup to sleep in
- Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs
- Breakfast served in the kennel
- Out of kennel playtime in the middle of the day to allow your pooch to burn some energy
- Dinner served in the kennel
- Evening bathroom break
Other services commonly available at pet boarding facilities:
If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:- Specialized veterinary care
- Training
- Grooming
- Shuttle services to and from the facility
The Pros & Cons of Boarding Your Dog While You're On Vacation
- Pros: Pet boarding provides your pet with a standardized daily routine that many dogs crave including meal times and exercise times on a regular schedule. Boarding also gives pets an opportunity to socialize with other animals. If your dog has a medical issue that requires medications or treatments, facilities with onsite vets and a team of veterinary professionals may be right for your pet while you're away.
- Cons: Being away from home can be hard for some animals. Pets can become nervous or anxious in new environments which could lead to altercations with other animals at playtime. Pets in boarding facilities also face an increased risk of contracting contagious illnesses such as kennel cough in dogs or Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (colds) in cats.
Hiring a Dog Sitter
When interviewing for a dog sitter be sure to request a list of references as well as a list of qualifications. How much you will pay for a pet sitter will depend upon the level of service you choose for your pet.
Dog sitters can help to protect your home by keeping your place looking lived-in to any passers-by. Hiring a live-in pet sitter will allow you to rest assured that someone is caring for your home at night.
Extra Services Available From Some Pet Sitters:
If your dog requires more care than just feeding and being let out a few times a day, some pet sitters offer additional services such as:- Training
- Grooming
- Frequent walks
- Housekeeping
The Pros & Cons of Hiring a Pet Sitter
- Pros: The primary benefit of hiring a pet sitter is that your dog may find it less stressful to stay at home. Other benefits of hiring a pet sitter include the increased security of having someone in your home, and pet sitters can be less expensive than some boarding facilities.
- Cons: Bringing a stranger into your home to care for your pooch can be uncomfortable, and certainly isn't for everyone. You may also find that popular dog sitters in your area book up very quickly and may not be available when you need them, particularly at peak holiday times such as March break.
Making the Right Choice for Your Dog
Pet parents often experience anxiety about leaving their dog while on vacation. Finding the right dog care for your vacation will ultimately come down to personal preference, price and availability in your neighborhood. With a little research into the services available in your area, you will be able to find just the right level of care for your fur baby, at a price you can afford.
Dog Boarding at Canyon Animal Hospital
At Canyon Animal Hospital our team understands that it can be stressful to leave your pet - especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery. Our staff strive to put help put your mind at ease by providing your dog with the care they need while you're away. We provide complete boarding services for pets with a disease or medical condition that requires medication and/or monitoring that some standard boarding facilities may not be equipped to accommodate.
At our dog boarding facility in Laguna Beach, we provide the care your dog needs while you are on vacation or away from home. As well as medical boarding our team offers standard boarding for healthy dogs who need a safe and friendly place to stay. Try to think of your dog's stay at a kennel as a vacation for them too. We will be sure to give your dog lots of love and attention to keep them feeling happy and contented.
Learn More About Boarding at Canyon Animal Hospital
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
