Do you have anxiety about leaving your dog while you go on vacation? This is completely normal. Today, our Bedford vets offer advice like what to do with your dog while you travel, what you can expect, and how pet boarding may be an ideal choice during your vacation.
Where to Leave Your Dog While on Vacation
At Fine Animal Hospital, 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.
Choosing 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.
Additional Services Some Pet Sitters May Provide
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).
Leaving Your Dog at a Boarding Facility on Your Vacation
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 choose for pet care while you are on vacation, 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.
What are the amenities at a dog boarding facility?
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.
What care will your dog receive while you are on vacation?
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 Services That May be Included
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
Reliable Boarding for Dogs & Cats in Bedford
We understand how stressful it can be to leave your pet when you go out of town – especially if they are sick, or as they are recovering from a surgery or procedure.
At Fine Animal Hospital, we want to help put your mind at ease. We offer complete dog boarding and care for your vacation at our kennel, along with medical boarding services for pets with conditions that standard boarding centers may not be equipped to accommodate.
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.