What to do with a dog when we travel?

Question

I want to get a medium size dog and I will be a very responsible dog owner but I travel approx 6 times a year and may not be able to take the dog with me on each trip. I know a lot of people who have dogs tell me that they can't go places because of the dogs. Dogs don't like to be boarded? Are there any other alt? We don't really want to leave them at the friends.

Answer 1

Do you have any neighbors with kids? We have neighbors with children that are more than happy to come over and feed and play with our dog when we go out of town. Their parents won't let them get a dog, so they have kinda "adopted" our dog anyway. We asked the parents first, and they actually were glad to make sure the kids fed him everyday, and they used it as a lesson teaching the kids about responsibility. Just make sure your dog doesn't get over protective when you are not home, and that he knows the people feeding him.

Answer 2

You can always board them at cage free kennels. They are really becoming popular. The dogs share a common area and play all day long. There are always staff there to watch over the dogs. At night they go into kennels to sleep. The dogs love it and they are too tired from playing to miss you too much. There are plenty of great kennels that arent cage free that still do a small amount of play time, at an extra cost. Its fine to board your dog, just make sure they have proper cooling systems in the summer.

Good luck with your new dog.

p.s. Adoption is the BEST option when finding a new pet!

Answer 3

We always leave our dogs at home. It is where they are most comfortable and feel the safest.

It may take some research on your part, but most larger communities have individuals that will come to your home on your dog's regular schedule to take care of your pet. Our lady comes at 8:00am, 2:00pm, 7:00pm and again between 9:30 and 10:30. She spends at least 20-30 minutes with them each time she comes to the house. She will not take on more than five families at a time so that she can give each family adequate attention. She will take the dogs walking, if something is out of sorts she will take them to the vet (I always make prior arrangements with the vet that I will cover any charges when I return), she gives them meds if needed; it is almost as though I am home with them. I know she treats the dogs well and actually spends time with them because of how excited the dogs get when she comes to the house. She is also not any more expensive than the kennel and this is her full-time job.

It will take some research and you will probably not find anyone in the phone book...it will probably be word of mouth...but it is worth it in the end.

Answer 4

i'm a dog walker, and what usually people do when they go out of town is board their dogs. but you need to find a really good one where it is mostly family owned because then they board them at their home with no crates or anything. usually they have an open field so they can run around in and all the dogs must be on some type of flea medications and up to date with their shots. if that's not an option, you can hire dog walkers to come by your house 2 or 3 times a day and feed and play with your dog. that's what i do for 3 dogs, i go there early in the morning and night and feed and play with the dogs for about 45 minutes. good luck~!

Answer 5

You can have a pet sitter (friend) come to your home several times per day. I prefer to have someone come and stay at my home while I'm gone. If you ask around you may be surprised at the number of people willing to do that. I usually pay $15-20 per day, and stock the fridge before I go. You can always board your dog. If you decide to do that, check the facility first. They should be willing to let you tour the ENTIRE facility. Have them show you where your dog would be placed. Lots of kennels now offer "doggie cams" too where you can watch your dog while you're gone. For kennel recommendations, besides trusted friends and your vet, try your local shelter. They can certainly tell you who to stay away from. Good luck!

Answer 6

We travel frequently and are not always able to take our dog with us. My parents will watch him, but they live 2 hours away. My vet has a kennel and they all really like him there so I don't mind leaving him there if I have to. He does have to get a shot for kennel cough, but he has never been ill from staying there. If you don't have a friend who lives close who loves dogs or you cannot find a vet that will board your dog, and that you trust, you might hold off on getting a dog for a while.

Answer 7

You can board your dog, but dogs often get sick while at a kennel for several different reasons. Your dog may be perfectly fine, but a lot of dogs are not. Alternatives are having a neighbor or close friend stop by your house when they can and let out, feed, and water your dog. You could also, if you are going by car, take your dog with you. Good luck!

Answer 8

We have had the same problem over the years. We like to take the occasional trip, but the National Parks we like to visit don't allow dogs on the trails.

We've also never boarded our dogs. We have a good one here in town, but I prefer my dogs to stay in my home as it's already stressful that we are gone for a week or two.

I have a couple of single friends who live in room mate situations and they have helped us out. They come and stay in our home while we are gone. It's a bonus for them to have a place all to themselves and our dogs get to stay home. Another idea is to maybe seek out a college student who would be willing to do this for you. The nice thing in our situation is that the pet sitter could still work a normal job and care for our pets.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

Not only do dogs not like boarding, then end up with kennel cough and then it's an extra trip to the vet. Even with the shot, then end up with kennel cough. If you can't hire someone to come in and care for him and you can't take him with you, then you should put off owning a dog.

Answer 10

Try to get a dog sitter that can stay w/ your dog overnights so your pup does not get lonely. you can also try to find someone that will let you bring them over to there house while you travel. If you dont have anyone that can do that search around for a very reliable kennel. ask your vet they normally have the inside on the best kennels.