Summer is synonymous with vacation and family fun. So, it’s logical to think of our furry family members when making holiday plans. Should the dog come along? Go to a boarding facility? Stay with family or friends? Remain at home?
Travelling with dogs can be fun but it’s important to plan ahead. How does the dog react to change and new locations? Does the dog get car sick? What are the airline requirements, if the dog will be flown to the new location? Where will everyone be staying? In a hotel? At a friend’s house? On campgrounds? Can the dog be left unsupervised? Leaving dogs in the car, especially in the summer, can have tragic results. Where will the dog be while people are taking meals and seeing the sites? While some campgrounds allow dogs, dogs are not welcome on all hiking trails. Be sure to check before travelling.
Boarding kennels offer another option for dogs. While looking at websites and reading reviews can provide some information about a facility, it’s important to visit the facility before dropping off the dog. Website photos don’t relay sound and scent. Most boarding facilities, especially ones that offer “group play,” will want to meet dogs before accepting them as clients to ensure a good fit. Be sure to ask the specifics about how, where, and with whom the dog will be boarded. Ask about the dogs’ daily schedule. Is there 24 hour supervision? How long and how frequently are dogs walked? Where are they walked? If there is “group play,” how are the play groups organized? Large and small dogs should be separated as some large dogs view small dogs as prey, especially if the arousal level of the group is allowed to escalate. How many dogs are in a play group and how many people supervise? What happens if a fight breaks out? What happens to dogs that need individual play time? Is there quiet time and how quiet is “quiet?” Because being separated from the family can be stressful, how is “excessive” barking handled? What happens if other behavior issues arise? Do all dogs need to be spayed/neutered?
Staying with friends or family can offer a sense of familiarity for dogs since they’ll be staying in a home rather than a facility. However, dogs that haven’t been to that home before might exhibit the same behaviors of a newly adopted dog. Does the other home share the same rules regarding furniture, sleeping arrangements, and diet? Will the schedule be similar? Are there other animals in the household? Are the dogs familiar with the other animals or will they have to be introduced? If there will be multiple dogs, how will quiet time be arranged? As with a newly adopted dog, it’s often best for the visiting dog to have restricted access to the house (staying in a crate or one room) when not supervised. Visiting dogs might do behaviors that they don’t do at home such as jumping onto furniture or going to the bathroom in the house since it’s a new environment. Stress can also affect behavior. Again, how will behavior issues be handled?
Remaining at home with family, friends, or a professional pet sitter can offer even more stability for dogs and the least amount of stress, especially if the routine is maintained. This can be ideal for dogs with behavior or health issues that prevent travelling or make travel difficult. It’s important to leave specific directions for feeding, exercise, and house “rules.” Pet sitters can be “live-in” or “drop-in.” For pet sitters staying overnight, how long will they be in the house? Most overnight services are 12-18 hours, which includes sleep time. That means potty breaks might be as long as 12 hours between visits, the same with “drop-in” services. What is included in the service? Will dogs be walked and if so, for how long and with how many other dogs? For dogs that have special needs, is the pet sitter qualified to meet those needs? Emergency contacts, both for owners and local assistance, should be provided.
Whenever pets are travelling or being left in the care of another, it’s imperative to have current identification on them, specifically on tags since not all facilities or individuals have the equipment needed to read all the varieties of microchips. Pets should be current on their vaccines, and if staying outside of the home, should also have their bordetella vaccine and flea protection. There should be a plan in place for emergency situations – both medical and in case owner arrival is delayed. Professional caregivers should have insurance. Meet professionals before hiring them. Don’t be afraid to not accept a service if the caregiver isn’t a good fit with your pets’ needs. Go with your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right.
Ultimately, we know our dogs best and should base our decisions on what will make our dogs the most comfortable. While cost can be an influencing factor, it’s important to understand exactly what the price includes, especially when there are multiple pets involved. Knowing our loved ones are well-cared for can help make holiday plans more relaxing for everyone.
