It can be hard to decide what to do with your pet if you can't take them with you on vacation. Here, our Austin vets offer some advice on where you can leave your dog while you're on vacation.
Where to Leave Your Dog While on Vacation
At Northwest Austin Veterinary Center, we know that deciding where to leave your four-legged friend while you're on vacation or away from home can be a difficult choice. 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 dog.
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 Facilities
Today's pet boarding facilities offer a range of services, with clean kennels and lots of love and attention.
Services range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for pups who need extra love and attention, with price points that range from extravagant to affordable.
If you are in the process of 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.
Features of Dog Boarding Facilities
Price is typically a good indicator of the level of service provided at a given dog boarding facility. If your pooch will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and a tv to watch, you're going to pay 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.
Care at Boarding Facilities
Standard care at most pet boarding facilities will include:
- 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 Commonly Available Services
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
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
A cheaper option for hiring a sitter would be to find a friend or family member who would be willing to look after your companion. This way your pet will be with someone familiar, likely in a familiar environment (depending on whether your sitter watches your pup at your house, or cares for them at their own house).
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.