Is it ok to leave our puppy at a kennel while we are away for 5 days?

Question

Although we are looking at a reputable kenneling hospital, my husband is afraid that our puppy may feel abandoned and that when we come back, she may recent us and become a "psycho" dog... I don't agree with him, but I'd like to know what your experience has been on this issue. We got her 3 weeks ago and she's 3 months old. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

If this is a good kennel, you'll be surprised when you get home to hear about how much fun your dog had. She'll be fine - and dogs don't have all the human emotions and resentment is one they definitely don't have. It's normal to worry about your puppy, but there would be much fewer boarding kennels if they didn't get repeat customers.

Answer 2

There are plenty of reputable kennels out there, but judging by the age of your puppy, you may want to consider having a trustworthy friend watch the dog. Judging by her age, she might not get quite the amount of attention she needs. But if you do decide to go with a kennel, don't be afraid to spend some money. You get what you pay for when it comes to kenneling. Ask to go on a walk-through. Make sure the cages are large and clean, and that the dogs have plenty of food and water, and that the space outside is fenced in and clean, so that the pup has room to play. It is okay to leave your dog at a kennel - we have all had to do it. But don't make the mistake of using a cheap place - because they are known for neglecting the dog and doing "just enough" to get by. The dog could be malnourished or dehydrated when you get her back. So as long as you pick a great place, you should be fine. Just do your research.

If you have a Petsmart near you that has a boarding section, I would suggest them. They are a little on the pricey side, but they are amazing. Their facilities are super clean and the staff is well trained and friendly. You will not be dissatisfied with them. You have to have the dog fully vaccinated at any kennel, though, so there might be an age limit - your pup MIGHT be too young. But as long as she is fully vaccinated? You shouldn't have a problem. Good luck!

Answer 3

I wouldn't do it. You would be much better off finding someone to stay at your home. You don't want to come home to a sick puppy, 3 months is still very young. You may not even be able to find a kennel that will take a puppy at that age other than a vet's clinic. Then you're exposing your puppy to all the sick dogs that come in. Don't forget a lot of those germs are airborne. I'm sorry to be such a downer, but I know first hand what can happen. I know you'll work it out and do the best for your pup. Good luck with it all and have a great trip.

Answer 4

You are doing the right thing by finding a reputable kennel. Ask around, ask their other clients how they feel about the place. Take a tour if possible. I used to work at a dog kennel and at first some dogs are a bit scared, but its natural. People who work at the kennel will make sure your dog is safe, secure, comfortable and not stressed out. Your puppy will not resent you for leaving her there, she will be so happy to see you and your husband when you return to pick her up.. Find a good kennel, enjoy yourselves, and look forward to seeing your puppy when you return... Oh, and as a comforting tool to your puppy, take along a favorite toy or blanket that has her scent or an old shirt that belongs to you or your husband so she has a familiar smell, that may ease her stress...

Answer 5

Three months in kinda young. Has your pet finished it's series of vaccines?In NY/NJ your pet usually is not finished with vaccines. I don't know if vaccine protocol varies from state to state. If it's not finished- and the kennel is willing to board your dog beware! If it is typical boarding kennel, even a good one, expect to retrain your puppy on house manners.Your dog will not think you abandoned it. That is only if this place is a reputable place. The type that you must book ahead for (several months), not just call two weeks before Memorial day and get a reservation. Make sure the vet hospital has someone coming at least 3 times a day for lots of exercise, otherwise your pet will sit in its urine and perhaps get other pets urine etc trickling into it area. My advice would be to have a petsitter come to your house three times a day or stay at your house, so that way your pup has constant affection, will keep up its potty habits and NO exposure to it's little immune system.

Answer 6

If that's a genuine Pitbull, and not just a staffy/bully breed cross that maybe looks a bit like an infamous Pitbull, then you've got more things to worry about than where to put it during the day. If you did put it outside and a neighbour suspected that was the illegal Pitbull and the RSPCA came round, expect to have it confiscated for testing and you'll be taken to court. Any dog found to be a Pitbull in the UK will be put to sleep, no questions asked, adult or puppy. If your dog is just a Staffy or Staffy cross that got labelled as Pitbull to make it sound cooler, secure your garden with good fences and let it run without being chained. There are problems such as getting caught up if left chained and unattended - especially for a puppy! There are also socialisation issues with being left alone for very long periods of time - especially while it is still a puppy.

Answer 7

No NO NO NO, Please NO! until the puppy has had all her shots, usually at 16 wks she shouldn't be exposed to all those other dogs.

In fact reputable kennels will require certain shots and your puppy may not even be able to have them yet.
AND u dont want to leave her where they dont require them.

try to find a friend or relative or put off your trip for awhile.this is prime bonding time as well as impressionable training time. if not cleaned up after properly she may eat her poop etc and trust me this is hard to break and a very gross habit.
ask @ your vet..... some of the people who work there may pet sit & that would be a good option if u know them or you know & trust your vet and they sign off on it!

Answer 8

I used to believe that if the pup can't come i'm not going, because i thought it was mean to leave them in a kennel.
I had to go out of town for a week and was forced to put them in a kennel. I brought a blankie that smelled like home and dropped my 2 pups off almost in tears mind you. When I got back I saw them and they were so excited to see me. They were extremely clingy and wanted to be near me at ALL times but in about a day they were both back to normal. Think of it this way. In five days away from your parents would you be psycho?? When in doubt call some kennels or your vet and ask them what they think.

Answer 9

I also have boarded my dogs at a kennel for years and they LOVE it. Also, I pick them up after a few days and bring them home, they crash from all the fun they had. Just make sure it's a good kennel - maybe ask around and get a referral from people that you know that bring their dogs to kennels. Don't worry....your puppy will so not resent you! It's a good way for your puppy to interact with other dogs.

Answer 10

My dog has separation anxiety, and I left him at a kennel while I went on a trip and he was fine. I work at a clinic, and we board animals too. A great thing to do is to ask the kennel if you can have the puppy visit beforehand (if they care, they will definitely let you do this), so she's familiar with the staff, and he will be more comfortable going to a place she has been before- especially if the staff gives him treats! Dogs are walked at least twice daily in most kennels, and they are cuddled and loved daily. I am glad you treat your puppy as if he were your child, and I assure you she will be fine when you get back. Just make sure she has her bordetella!