Leaving your pets behind when you travel can be nerve-wracking – for both you and them. Making the best decision for their care can help relieve some of that stress and give you peace of mind that they’re taken care of, so you can enjoy your vacation.
Be sure to consider factors such as your pet’s health and age, which may affect your options. For instance, if you have adorable lab puppies or other breed puppies younger than four months old, they are probably too young to board at a kennel.
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Staying at home
Whether this is a trusted friend, family member, or a person you hire, having a pet sitter stay at your home to care for your dog each day can be the least disruptive option. This statement is especially true if your dog has habits that might make it difficult to leave them in someone else’s house.
Your dog gets to stay in a familiar place, and you only have to leave the keys and instructions. If your sitter is responsible for taking your dog on walks, do some training before you go on vacation to ensure your dog will behave well for the sitter.
Having a trusted friend stay at your house while you’re gone serves the dual purpose of making sure your dog and your home are taken care of. A dog who doesn’t like to be alone may be happier with this option than a sitter who only visits a couple of times during the day.
Staying with a friend
This might be ideal if your dog has a trusted person willing to keep them while you’re gone, especially if it’s a place they’ve visited before. They have a familiar environment and person, and they’ll have more attention than someone who sees a couple of times a day. It’s a bonus if this person also has dogs who enjoy playing with your dog and vice versa.
Boarding
Keeping your dog at a kennel or boarding facility is a reliable option and may be the best choice for extended vacations. Rest assured that your pet will be well taken care of by professionals with safe facilities. Depending on the facility, they may also get group play times together each day.
If your dog is more on the shy side, this may cause them a bit of stress, so you’ll want to plan for their comfort, such as bringing their usual food, providing familiar items from home, or using CBD oil for dogs.
Bring them with you
If your dog is comfortable with travel and your accommodations allow it, consider vacationing with your pet. It doesn’t work in every case, but it could be something you’d both enjoy.
Making the best choice
There are many factors to consider when leaving furry companions in someone else’s hands while you’re away. Take into consideration all their needs – safety, companionship, enjoyment – and know that no matter what you choose, they’ll be happy to see you when you return.
