Board or Pet Sitter - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dawz1026 · 10-26-2010, 03:50 AM

I have been lucky enough to always have my mil stay at my home when I vacationed. Recently she moved and now I rely on a friend/neighbor for help if we do 1 or two nights away and it works out great. She will come 3-4 times daily and have breakfast or dinner here and play with my baby. My dilemma is we are going to Disney for 8 nights in February and I am unsure if it is safer for my dog to be in his own home and have her care for him which leaves him alone longer or to board him in a place he has never been.I hear conflicting reports about pet hotels.I found one that does seem nice but expensive...73 a night. And there is no gaurantee he will not get stressed or have the attention and comforts of home. Oh what to do..any advice??

kjc · 10-28-2010, 01:58 AM

Hi and Welcome to YT! (Sorry to be so late in responding!)

That's a really tough decision. Can you take her with you?

MI Yorkielover · 10-28-2010, 02:31 AM

I was faced with a similar situation with Sophie who has never been left behind when we travel. This time however she cannot go with us. We are going to Jamaica for 12 days and we didn't want to board her somewhere that she wasn't familiar with and she can't be left alone at home for hours on end. Fortunately, our groomer also boards small dogs in her home. Sophie really likes her groomer plus she only charges $10.00 a day. Any chance your groomer could look after her?

deonk1 · 10-28-2010, 04:27 AM

Can she come with you? That's be my first choice....

If not is there a fellow YTer that could take her, then she'd have a play mate, and honestly wont even know you're gone. Also my breeder offers board, check on your breeder if you have one, they may board, and then you definitely know your baby is in good hands. If your friend will take her for that long at her house, I'd bring your baby over a few times before hand, leave her there for an hour and see how she fairs out.

Also when we leave Harley (with a fellow yorkie owner), I always bring a Tshirt I've worn the day before, and put it in his crate. My friends lay the shirt on them when it's cuddle time, and he loves it, I swear he didn't even know I was gone.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

Ringo1 · 10-28-2010, 05:34 AM

I have the same question. I have two dogs, my Westie and Lucy, and will be going home for Thanksgiving, Thursday and return home Sunday. We currently have great dog-walkers that come twice a week and they do pet sitting too. Which means they come to your home 3-4 times a day.

BUT, four full days seems like a long time just to be let in and out a few times, yes? At least it does to me.

I'm thinking about boarding.

The family we are staying with is much more concerned about their fancy house; they could never stand to have Lucy and Ringo. They'd probably force me to put them in the garage or something.

Britster · 10-28-2010, 05:40 AM

That's a tough one. I have always been lucky to have family around when I go away but hmmm... I know my dad brings his 2 dogs to Disney with them since they stay for around 10 days but they also have an RV so they stay in the camping part of Disney where you can rent a log cabin etc. I do know they've been making Disney a lot more pet friendly with a dog park, etc, there. So if bringing her is a possibility, I'd consider it. They have boarding places there so when you go to the park, you can bring your dog there for the day, but then have her back that night, etc.

If I had to choose though... honestly I'd probably pick staying in my own house and having the neighbor come over. I just think I'd be more comfortable with that. And if you're afraid your neighbor won't be coming over enough, maybe hire a dogwalker for the day so atleast she gets out on a 30 min-1 hour walk per day.

Cha Cha · 10-28-2010, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

I have the same question. I have two dogs, my Westie and Lucy, and will be going home for Thanksgiving, Thursday and return home Sunday. We currently have great dog-walkers that come twice a week and they do pet sitting too. Which means they come to your home 3-4 times a day.

BUT, four full days seems like a long time just to be let in and out a few times, yes? At least it does to me.

I'm thinking about boarding.

The family we are staying with is much more concerned about their fancy house; they could never stand to have Lucy and Ringo. They'd probably force me to put them in the garage or something.

This is exactly my delimma for the holidays. I don't really have a problem with boarding. It's that my two have never been apart from one another and Mylee has severe separation anxiety. Our boarding facility will not let them stay together. So I worry that she'll stress herself terribly. The place where we'll be going is dog friendly, but they have a fence for bigger dogs with gaps mine can get out of. Therefore, I think it's just best I don't chance any accidents and board them instead of taking them.

I do plan to send along their favorite blanket and a couple of bully sticks or himalayan chews to keep them occupied during their stay.

loveshay · 10-28-2010, 06:41 AM

That is hard....we went through same thing in Feb. I dont have family within 600 miles, and living in new state, I don't have real good friends as of yet..we were going to Florida for 10 days, I looked at boarding places..pet sitters (I did find one, but when I had her over, to have her meet us, Shay was doing his manly thing..ya know what I mean...and she said "I will thump him very hard, and he wont do that again"

soooo needless to say she was shown the door immediately.)

We ended up taking him with us...we all had a blast!

I thought I heard Disney, had boarding places, to leave them while you were in the park, and pick up as your leaving...I would check into that..Good luck...

Ringo1 · 10-28-2010, 07:52 AM

I think I'm leaning toward the pet sitters too. Lucy and Ringo already know her; they would be in their own home . . . . Hmmm. Have to think about it. I don't want them crated for hours at a time but hate to leave them to their own devices for hours at a time too!

They don't spend much time alone . . from the time Lucy came along; I worked at home; now that I'm back in an office - my Dad is there all day . . .

Donnainohio63 · 10-28-2010, 08:12 AM

The family we are staying with is much more concerned about their fancy house; they could never stand to have Lucy and Ringo. They'd probably force me to put them in the garage or something.

This is funny because I was just telling my daughter, who went to see her mother n law over the weekend, that if my dog was not allowed in my Mother n laws house, then I aint going. I do not go anywhere that my little Scooter is not allowed to go with me and I was the same way with Sophie. I took three trips to Tn with Sophie right by my side and I stayed at my sisters and my Mam Maws and no one ever told me my dog was not welcome.

Britster · 10-28-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

I think I'm leaning toward the pet sitters too. Lucy and Ringo already know her; they would be in their own home . . . . Hmmm. Have to think about it. I don't want them crated for hours at a time but hate to leave them to their own devices for hours at a time too!

They don't spend much time alone . . from the time Lucy came along; I worked at home; now that I'm back in an office - my Dad is there all day . . .

Could you put them in an ex-pen? Or give them each their own expen?

Btw, here's some links to Disney with pets:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...isneyland.html
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...ney-world.html

107barney · 10-28-2010, 09:14 AM

I've been using petsitters since 2003, and I travel several times per year. We've only had minor problems over the years and I still prefer having my dogs be in their own environment. The best option I've found is a petsitter who makes 3 visits during the day and then sleeps over with the babies. I'll never be 100% happy with any of it because no one meets my standards but they do keep my dogs happy. My longest trip was 16 days and my dogs barely missed us. We always leave new toys for the sitters to give them 1/2 way through the trips so they have a burst of excitement.

Good luck with your decision. I know how hard it is to leave them!

orlnurse · 10-28-2010, 11:39 AM

Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World

Disney just opened this area. Check it out.

10-26-2010, 03:50 AM	#1
dawz1026 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hicksville NY Posts: 74	Board or Pet Sitter I have been lucky enough to always have my mil stay at my home when I vacationed. Recently she moved and now I rely on a friend/neighbor for help if we do 1 or two nights away and it works out great. She will come 3-4 times daily and have breakfast or dinner here and play with my baby. My dilemma is we are going to Disney for 8 nights in February and I am unsure if it is safer for my dog to be in his own home and have her care for him which leaves him alone longer or to board him in a place he has never been.I hear conflicting reports about pet hotels.I found one that does seem nice but expensive...73 a night. And there is no gaurantee he will not get stressed or have the attention and comforts of home. Oh what to do..any advice??

10-28-2010, 01:58 AM	#2
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	Hi and Welcome to YT! (Sorry to be so late in responding!) That's a really tough decision. Can you take her with you? __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

10-28-2010, 02:31 AM	#3
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	I was faced with a similar situation with Sophie who has never been left behind when we travel. This time however she cannot go with us. We are going to Jamaica for 12 days and we didn't want to board her somewhere that she wasn't familiar with and she can't be left alone at home for hours on end. Fortunately, our groomer also boards small dogs in her home. Sophie really likes her groomer plus she only charges $10.00 a day. Any chance your groomer could look after her? __________________ Jackie Loves Sophie R.I.P ."Baby"* our little girl 1993-2009*

10-28-2010, 04:27 AM	#4
deonk1 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada Posts: 1,795	Can she come with you? That's be my first choice.... If not is there a fellow YTer that could take her, then she'd have a play mate, and honestly wont even know you're gone. Also my breeder offers board, check on your breeder if you have one, they may board, and then you definitely know your baby is in good hands. If your friend will take her for that long at her house, I'd bring your baby over a few times before hand, leave her there for an hour and see how she fairs out. Also when we leave Harley (with a fellow yorkie owner), I always bring a Tshirt I've worn the day before, and put it in his crate. My friends lay the shirt on them when it's cuddle time, and he loves it, I swear he didn't even know I was gone. Good luck. Let us know what you decide. __________________ Kendra Harley, you were the light in my life, rest peacefully my love!

10-28-2010, 05:34 AM	#5
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I have the same question. I have two dogs, my Westie and Lucy, and will be going home for Thanksgiving, Thursday and return home Sunday. We currently have great dog-walkers that come twice a week and they do pet sitting too. Which means they come to your home 3-4 times a day. BUT, four full days seems like a long time just to be let in and out a few times, yes? At least it does to me. I'm thinking about boarding. The family we are staying with is much more concerned about their fancy house; they could never stand to have Lucy and Ringo. They'd probably force me to put them in the garage or something. __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

10-28-2010, 05:40 AM	#6
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	That's a tough one. I have always been lucky to have family around when I go away but hmmm... I know my dad brings his 2 dogs to Disney with them since they stay for around 10 days but they also have an RV so they stay in the camping part of Disney where you can rent a log cabin etc. I do know they've been making Disney a lot more pet friendly with a dog park, etc, there. So if bringing her is a possibility, I'd consider it. They have boarding places there so when you go to the park, you can bring your dog there for the day, but then have her back that night, etc. If I had to choose though... honestly I'd probably pick staying in my own house and having the neighbor come over. I just think I'd be more comfortable with that. And if you're afraid your neighbor won't be coming over enough, maybe hire a dogwalker for the day so atleast she gets out on a 30 min-1 hour walk per day. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

10-28-2010, 06:41 AM	#8
loveshay YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: TN Posts: 556	That is hard....we went through same thing in Feb. I dont have family within 600 miles, and living in new state, I don't have real good friends as of yet..we were going to Florida for 10 days, I looked at boarding places..pet sitters (I did find one, but when I had her over, to have her meet us, Shay was doing his manly thing..ya know what I mean...and she said "I will thump him very hard, and he wont do that again" soooo needless to say she was shown the door immediately.) We ended up taking him with us...we all had a blast! I thought I heard Disney, had boarding places, to leave them while you were in the park, and pick up as your leaving...I would check into that..Good luck... __________________ loving my lil SHAY

10-28-2010, 07:52 AM	#9
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I think I'm leaning toward the pet sitters too. Lucy and Ringo already know her; they would be in their own home . . . . Hmmm. Have to think about it. I don't want them crated for hours at a time but hate to leave them to their own devices for hours at a time too! They don't spend much time alone . . from the time Lucy came along; I worked at home; now that I'm back in an office - my Dad is there all day . . . __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

10-28-2010, 08:12 AM	#10
Donnainohio63 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Lorain Ohio Posts: 1,882	The family we are staying with is much more concerned about their fancy house; they could never stand to have Lucy and Ringo. They'd probably force me to put them in the garage or something. This is funny because I was just telling my daughter, who went to see her mother n law over the weekend, that if my dog was not allowed in my Mother n laws house, then I aint going. I do not go anywhere that my little Scooter is not allowed to go with me and I was the same way with Sophie. I took three trips to Tn with Sophie right by my side and I stayed at my sisters and my Mam Maws and no one ever told me my dog was not welcome.

10-28-2010, 09:14 AM	#12
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I've been using petsitters since 2003, and I travel several times per year. We've only had minor problems over the years and I still prefer having my dogs be in their own environment. The best option I've found is a petsitter who makes 3 visits during the day and then sleeps over with the babies. I'll never be 100% happy with any of it because no one meets my standards but they do keep my dogs happy. My longest trip was 16 days and my dogs barely missed us. We always leave new toys for the sitters to give them 1/2 way through the trips so they have a burst of excitement. Good luck with your decision. I know how hard it is to leave them! __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

10-28-2010, 11:39 AM	#13
orlnurse ♥Max & Lily♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orlando, FL, US Posts: 2,186	Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World Disney just opened this area. Check it out. __________________ My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton Lesley, Maximilian & Lily Rae