Where to Leave a Dog While on Vacation?

If you need to be away for any period of time then you will want to be sure that your furry friend is getting the best care. Here, our Mandeville vets talk about where to leave your dog while you go on vacation and the pros and cons of each option.

Where is Best For Your Dog While You Go on Vacation?

It can be challenging to find a safe, reliable place where you can trust your dog's care while you're on vacation or away from home. Whether you are heading out of town to enjoy some sand and sun for a couple of weeks or are off on a business trip for a couple of days, you'll need to find appropriate care for your pooch.

Dog Boarding Options For Your Dog While You're on Vacation

While it's true that pet boarding facilities were once dingy, grim places where animals remained locked in their cages for long periods, times - and expectations of pet owners - have certainly changed!

These days, boarding facilities are more than a roof over your dog's head - some seek to provide a warm, welcoming and social atmosphere for your puppy.

Of course, our climate-controlled kennels are kept clean and linens fresh-smelling, and we treat your pup to all the love and attention they'll need. There's also the option of medical boarding for dogs that need extra attention and care.

If you are deciding where to leave your dog while you're on vacation and looking for a boarding facility to take your dog to, make 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.

Dog Boarding Facility Features

Price is generally a good indicator of the service level provided at a given dog boarding facility. You'll pay more if your pup will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and TV to watch rather than a standard facility with fenced dog runs and roomy crates. 

If you'd like your pooch to enjoy an active adventure during their time there, a fun camp experience might be ideal. Dog camps across the country offer lots of time for your dog to explore the outdoors, in addition to added facilities for playing and swimming with other dogs, in some cases. 

While you narrow down your list of preferred kennels, remember that extravagant facility features don't necessarily equate to better care for your pet. 

How To Decide Which Dog Boarding Facility is Right For Your Pet?

Dog care while you're on vacation is usually priced based on the level of service you choose. A standard kennel will cost less per day than luxury accommodations. 

Most pet boarding facilities include the following amenities:

• 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 bonus amenities at dog boarding facilities:

If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:

Dog Boarding Pros & Cons While You're On Vacation

• Pros: Bringing your dog to a boarding facility for the time you'll be on vacation will ensure your pet will have a standardized daily routine that many dogs crave including meal times and exercise times on a regular schedule. Boarding also gives pets an opportunity to socialize with other animals. If your dog has a medical issue that requires medications or treatments, facilities with onsite vets and a team of veterinary professionals may be right for your pet while you're away.
• Cons: Being away from home can be hard for some animals. Pets can become nervous or anxious in new environments which could lead to altercations with other animals at playtime. Pets in boarding facilities also face an increased risk of contracting contagious illnesses such as kennel cough in dogs or Feline Upper Respiratory infections (colds) in cats.

Hiring a Dog Sitter To Watch Your Pet While You Are on Vacation

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.

Some Pet Sitters May Offer The Following Extra Services:

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:

Pet Sitter Pros & Cons While You Are on Vacation

• Pros: The primary benefit of hiring this type of pet care while you're on vacation is that your dog 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 pooch can be uncomfortable, and certainly isn't for everyone. You may also find that popular dog sitters in your area book up very quickly and may not be available when you need them, particularly at peak holiday times such as March break.

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.