Do you ever need to leave home but worry about who will take care of your dog? Even if you love your dog, it's normal to be away sometimes. Don't worry, our vets at Murfreesboro have some advice on what to do with your furry friend when you travel.
Going Away for Multiple Days
Deciding what to do with your dog when you're when you travel can be hard. Whether you're going on a short trip or a long one, you'll need to find good care for your pet. At Brogli, Lane, Weaver & Alexander Animal Hospital, our vets know deciding what kind of care is best for you and your dog can be tough. But if you do some research on the services near you and what they offer, it can make the decision easier.
Dog Boarding For Vacation or Time Away from Home
Gone are the days when pet boarding facilities were gloomy places where animals were confined to small cages for long periods of time.
Nowadays, you can leave your furry friend at a boarding facility where they will be treated like royalty! They can play with other dogs, receive loving attention from their caregivers, and stay in clean, fresh-smelling kennels.
There are different types of boarding facilities available, ranging from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for dogs with special needs.
Prices also vary depending on the level of service provided, with options available for all budgets. If you're looking for a boarding facility for your dog, make sure to do your research and choose a place that suits both your dog's needs and your wallet.
Facility Features
When choosing a pet boarding facility, the price you pay can often give you an idea of what level of service you can expect. If you want your pet to stay in a fancy hotel-like setting with comfortable sofas and TVs, it will cost more than staying at a standard facility with roomy crates and outdoor areas.
A dog camp can be a great option for dogs who like to be active, with lots of outdoor exploration and fun facilities like swimming. But remember, just because a facility has fancy features doesn't necessarily mean they provide better care for your pet. It's important to do your research and find a facility that prioritizes your pet's safety, health, and happiness.
Choosing The Level of Service That's Right for Your Dog
When you go on vacation and need someone to take care of your dog, the price you pay will depend on the type of service you choose. Fancy places offering extra services will cost more per day than regular pet boarding facilities.
Standard care for dogs at most pet boarding facilities includes:
- 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 commonly available at pet boarding facilities:
If you want something more unique than a regular boarding place, some facilities provide extra services such as:- Specialized veterinary care
- Training
- Grooming services
- Shuttle services to and from the facility
The Pros & Cons of Boarding Your Pet While You're On Vacation
- Pros: When you leave your pet in a boarding facility, they will follow a consistent daily routine that includes regular meal times, walks for dogs, and social interactions with other animals. This can provide a sense of comfort for pets who thrive on structure. Additionally, if your pet requires medical attention, choosing a boarding facility with veterinary professionals onsite who can administer medications and treatments as needed is important. Overall, pet boarding can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend while you're away.
- Cons: When animals are away from their homes, they may feel uneasy. This is especially true for pets, who can get nervous in unfamiliar places and may even get into fights with other animals during playtime. Additionally, when pets are boarded at facilities, they may be more likely to catch contagious illnesses like kennel cough or colds.
Hiring a Pet Sitter
When you're hiring a pet sitter, ask for a list of references and qualifications. The price you pay for pet sitting will depend on the level of service you want for your pet. Pet sitters can also help to keep your home safe and lived-in. If you hire a live-in pet sitter, you can be confident that your home is being taken care of 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:- Dog training
- Pet bathing and grooming
- Frequent dog walks
- Housekeeping
The Pros & Cons of Hiring a Pet Sitter
- Pros: The primary benefit of hiring a pet sitter is that your four-legged friend may find it less stressful to stay at home. Other benefits of hiring a pet sitter include the increased security of having someone in your home, and pet sitters can be less expensive than some boarding facilities.
- Cons: Bringing a stranger into your home to care for your animal can be uncomfortable, and certainly isn't for everyone. You may also find that popular pet sitters in your area book up very quickly and may not be available when you need them, particularly at peak holiday times such as spring break.
Making the Right Choice of Kennel for Your Pet While You Are on Vacation
Many pet owners worry about leaving their pets when they go on vacation. However, you can find the right level of care for your pet by considering what you prefer, the cost, and what is available in your area. With some research into the nearby pet care services, you can find the perfect solution for your furry friend at a price that fits your budget.
Boarding Your Dog at Brogli Lane Weaver & Alexander Animal Hospital
Leaving your pet can be stressful, especially if they're sick or recovering from a procedure. At Brogli Lane Weaver & Alexander Animal Hospital, we understand this and want to help put your mind at ease.
We offer complete boarding services for all pets, including those with medical conditions that require treatment or monitoring.
Our friendly and experienced staff will provide the care your dog needs while you're away.
Think of their stay with us as a vacation where they will receive lots of love and attention to keep them happy and contented.
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.