Going On Vacation: Should You Use A Hotel Or Sitter For Your Canine Friend

People who own a dog know how much joy their canine friend can bring them. They want the best for their friend… whatever the situation is. Of course, going on a vacation during the holidays may leave many dog owners confused about what the best is for their pet.

The majority of pet owners want to take their canine friends with them. Yet, when they’re traveling, that’s not always a possibility. The reasons vary for not being able to bring their dog including:

- Car sickness
- Inability to handle stress
- Allergies of other people
- Rental house/apartment

There are a variety of situations why it would be best to leave their dog in somebody else’s care.

One of the few options people used were kennels but these things often had poor reputations. The kennel may have been kept very clean and gave the basic care dogs needed but they didn’t have the one thing a dog needed every day… human interaction. However, the options of today are far better.

1 – Dog Hotels

Modern-day kennels are called pet hotels. They often give dogs their own space and rooms with nice beds. They may have televisions or music to give them a homier feel. Workers will walk every dog each day, more than once. The workers may also allow them play time with other dogs. It’s not uncommon for these “dog hotels” to provide grooming as a service.

2 – Dog Sitter

Another option at a dog owner’s disposal is a dog sitter. Keep in mind that this route is generally more expensive but does give individualized attention to one’s pet. A sitter tends to watch a few dogs at one time and has time to play and cuddle with every one of them. You could also hire several pet sitters to just go into the home to check on your canine friend, give them food and water, walk them and give them a pat on the head. This option is much cheaper than the full-time care from a single dog sitter.

How To Know If Your Dog Caregiver Is Qualified

When you’re trying to pick a dog hotel to place your canine friend in, you should always visit the facility before you make your reservations. Don’t make an appointment but rather drop by when they’re least expecting it. Make sure to watch the animals’ demeanor. Are they happy or seem stressed out? Do the caregivers have a good attitude toward the animals? Be sure to get references from people who have used the place for their pets.

If you decide to go with a dog sitter, you should visit his/her home. Does the home appear clean? Does it look safe for your dog? It doesn’t matter if the sitter is coming into your home or if you’re bringing your pet to him/her, be sure you get references, insurance documentation, training, etc. Ensure your pet and the prospective sitter has some interaction. Watch at how they get along. If everything seems to be good and every else about them works out, then you can be assured that your pet is in good hands.

Dog owners are quite hesitant about leaving their canine friends behind and with just any person… for good reasons. However, if you’ve got to travel and can’t take them with you, then your only option is to leave them with a sitter or at a dog hotel. Be sure you check them out thoroughly before settling on just any person.