Dog Sitters and Day Care for Pets
Oct 1st, 2007 by Teri
On occasion there are times when you have to leave your dog at home or make plans for a distant vacation without your pet. It is probably safer to leave your pet at home than to fly it on an airline these days. A man is suing an airline when he flew his dog with him on a cross country trip this summer.The dog died due to heat exhaustion while awaiting unloading from the plane. Airline cargos do not have heat or air ventilation in storage compartments of planes. The USDA does not keep statistics on animal deaths but each airline has been fined for violating the Animal Welfare Act. If you are away from home for a few days to a week, you want to ensure your dog keeps to your feeding, walking and play schedules. There are several ways to accomplish dog care while you are away from home.
Dog Walkers and Dog Sitters:
These are local individuals whom you pay to come into your home and feed, walk and play with your dog during one, two or three visits per day.
A dog sitter can be hired during the week for instance while you are at work which can be easier on your dog or cat while they stay at home. Some services will also collect your mail, water your plants or turn on your lights at your home.
What Makes a Good Dog Sitter?
An experienced person who knows your dog, and knows of dog behavior is your best choice. Your friends may know of someone locally or a good dog sitting service who they can refer you to also. Your Vet may also know of a good sitting service that is professional, insured and bonded. You should always ask for references and possibly speak to other people who have engaged their services for pet sitting. The advantage of this type of dog service is your dog remains comfortable in your own home and therefore less stressed while you are away.
Dog Day Care Centers:
These establishments usually only offer care during the day, where you drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up on the way home from work. Usually they have many dogs at one location so it is an excellent choice for socializing your dog. It provides a location where your dog can be with other types of breeds and the facilities include play time.
A Good Dog Day Care Center:
A quality dog daycare center will ensure your dog is supervised and safe by requiring all dogs to have updated vaccinations for rabies, viruses, parvo, and other transmitted diseases. If your dog has aggressive traits it is not advisable to use this type of dog care. You should inspect the premises of the day care center for cleanliness, play areas, rest areas, where you dog can catch an afternoon nap. A safe and clean environment to play or rest is ideal and you can usually tell a lot by just the odor of the place.
Boarding Kennels or Spas:
These locations offer longer term, or short boarding which include overnight dog care. Each pet has their own kennel space or suite where they can eat, sleep, rest or play. You can bring your own bedding, toys or a blanket with your scent on it so they can keep you near them. You can also bring your own food and medications which they will administer on your dog’s own schedule.
Boarding kennels usually have a lot of dogs therefore socializing is a good feature also. Again only if your dog is “ non -aggressive” with people and other pets. Rates will include your dog’s feeding, medication and provide clean fresh water and a clean environment for sleep or play. Most centers have “ Group Play Time”, which would include an outdoor romp with all the other dogs, and some spa type kennels have doggy pools, grooming, baths, nail clipping, and other spa features. My dog just loves her stays at “ Boondocks” which is out in the country. Whoopie enjoys group play time, and Mary Ann the groomer gives her bi-annual hair cut, nail trim and bath with anti-itch oatmeal bath. When I pick her up she smells terrific and sports a new bandana around her neck. The dog will love the time spent with other dogs and if you have a quality location like we do, it’s a treat for both dog and owner.
Dog spas these days have more elaborate dog services, like luxury furnishings, TV’s, videos, massages to stimulate skin and fur, and even acupressure treatments. The use of all -natural products can eliminate the allergic reactions to common dog shampoos and conditioners for allergic dogs. Swimming therapy for arthritic dogs is offered at the Canine Spas, in Pennsylvania, which includes dog grooming, rehabilitation therapy, aerobic conditioning, fun and relaxing time spent with other dogs. Life vests are usually supplied for non swimmers and dog toys are abound at this facility, and it sound so relaxing for your pet.
Your dog should be happy to be at the dog kennel as an example my dog can’t wait to get out of the car, to be at Boondocks. There should never be any stress either when you drop off your dog or pick it up from a animal care center. If there is, you should discuss any problems with the owners of the facility. Always leave a contact number in case of emergency where you can be reached, and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.
The research you do ahead of time in booking with a dog day care center or dog sitter will eliminate problems when you have to leave your pet in the care of others, while you are away from home.
Author: Teri Salvador
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What a great resource! Thanks for all of the details and specifics to look for when choosing a sitter. Yogi is small, so I figured that if I had to travel, he would be my carry-on. I would NEVER trust the airline to him out of my sight. In addition to the possibility of him being hurt, I also know there is possibility for him to be stolen.
You’ve given me all I need to consider if I do decide to leave him at home on the next trip away.
Thanks again!
Hugs,
Megan
http://www.thelawo…ttractionstation.com
Great article on what to do with your pet if you go away. We have cats so it’s not an option to bring them with us on a trip. We always hire a pet sitter who comes into our home twice a day for an hour. They feed the cats, clean the litter box and play with them. We absolutely trust our cat sitter who will also open and close your blinds and take in your mail.