What do I do with my dog when I go on holidays?

Going on holiday can be a lovely experience – as long as you aren’t plagued with worry about what to do with your dog. Sometimes taking them with you isn’t always practical, especially if you are going abroad, which means that you will need to organise some care.

There are some options for you to consider, and here are the most popular examples:

Friends or family
Asking your friends or family members to look after your dog means that your pet is with someone they know and trust. You can also check in as often as you like to ensure that they are all okay. Of course, you need someone with the space and availability to look after your pet for you, which isn’t always possible, but if you are one of the lucky ones this will be the cheapest option for you.

Kennels
Dog kennels can range all the way from basic to ‘dog hotels’, which you can select depending on your budget and requirements. At these establishments, the staff will ensure that your dog is well fed and exercised, but as the environment will be a little strange, some dogs can struggle to adjust. To try and negate this, you should visit the kennels in advance to check out what they have on offer, allowing your dog a brief examination of the place too. Reviews are also a great way to find out what previous customers think.

Boarding
Your dog will stay in someone else’s home while you’re away, if you choose this option. There is a risk with this one, but as long as you do your research beforehand your pet will be fine. Just make sure that you know everything about the environment before you leave your dog there – for example, do they have the right licences? Will there be other animals there? What have past customers said about the sitter?

Dog Sitting
If the idea of a traditional kennel doesn’t suit you, you might wish to consider dog sitting with a professional. This is where the sitter comes to your home, where your pet is comfortable and happy, to look after your dog. As long as you select a reputable company with positive feedback, you’ll know that you are getting someone trustworthy, who will put you and your pet’s best interests at heart.

Not all pet sitters live in your home while you’re away, they simply drop in every day to feed and exercise your dog, so you need to decide what service works best for you. Does your dog need someone there at all times, or will they be able to cope with long periods of isolation? Are you happy to have someone living in your home, or would you rather them simply visit?

You will need to research all of these choices very carefully to make sure that you are doing what is right for you and your pet. Every individual animal has their own needs, and only you know what is best for them.

About the Author:Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.