What do you do with your dog when you are out of town

[francis53]

We have 7 dogs, 11 birds and 1 cat so we have to have someone stay at our place while we are gone. So far, we have been fortunate to have our daughter come and stay, but our next trip scheduled for the last 2 weeks of this month we have our good friends staying with them. Of course, we pay a decent amount to reimburse them for their time and trouble, but much less then it would cost to board them and easier on them all, also. Good luck finding someone you can trust, but shouldn't be too hard to find someone to care for just one!

[crb]

My husband and I rarely go out of town; we hate to leave our babies. Our last vacation was to Vegas last August and my wonderful sister took all five in. We are not planning a trip this summer but next summer we are planning a trip to Montana, we are taking the babies with us....road trip!! This will be fun!

[MissSophie]

There is a vet's office near us (not ours), but they are excellent. They have a doggy daycare and do boarding as well. We have left Sophie there twice. They take her out to a play area regularly, and they give us reports when we get home to let us know how she did. Most of the time, we take her with us. She loves to travel.

[Luckyone]

I've boarded Bridget once, tho it's more like a pet hotel. They have rooms with human beds and tv's if you want them. Bridget was very skittish and unhappy there. So since I've had my mom watch her, which is usually just a day or so here and there.

My husband and I are going to Kansas in a few weeks for 4 days (His cousin's wedding) and my mom will be watching my girls. They'll be much happier, it won't cost an arm and a leg and I think my mom enjoys it.

[Pipersmommy]

I have gone for a long weekend once. Hubby stayed home. We stay home with the kids, so far no vacations for us in a year.

[LoveMyGirlz]

I have boarded Vixxen once when we went to Hawaii. But she was lucky enough to stay with Lexxi - and Lexxi always got the nursing side So someone was always there 24/7
I am interviewing someone new next week that was a referral. She will come to my house, spur of the moment or otherwise, for $30 per visit. She will also stay overnight with the girls, for $75.
Our vets office also has boarding and they offer BIG rooms with windows that look outside. The more you pay the more you get kinda thing. I would consider this as well now that we have 3 because they will have each other.
And finally they opened a doggie hotel near by that offers a webcam I love this idea!
And I let the lady know that if I hire her to come over, our entire house is surveilanced! I will be able to see how long she's here and how well she treats them
normally...they all come with me everywhere!

BTW...I feel like I've wrote this before somewhere...hopefully I didn't already post in this thread! Hahah...I'm losing my mind....

[blondflava]

I'm actually going away with hubby for a 3 day trip next Fri and we can't take Pepper with us. This is going to be the first time we're leaving him, and I started looking into boarding options like 5-6 months ago already. I called A LOT of places and went to see a few that sounded good. I wanted no-cages, friendly 'roommates' and caring staff - and I AM picky lol. I found a really nice, clean daycare facility that does boarding - cageless, and the people have a lot of good testimonials, they have a few separate rooms where the dogs can go if they get tired or need a break from play. I'd rather have my baby stay with family but I don't have anyone here... I'll be a little nervous, I know... I'm sure you'll find something that suits your needs.

[gutu28]

My mom and dad or my boyfriends mom (my breeder) keep Cali. Shes really nervous with strangers so boarding her wouldn't be an option. Depending on your babies you could go with a pet sitter, leaving them at the groomers, vet, or maybe a neighborhood kid/family friend. Good luck!

[kjk723]

I take GiGi if I am going home to my mom's (2 hours away) and leave my Mosheh at home and the neighbor takes care of him. (He is too big to fit in the car and doesnt like to travel.) I am going on a long vacation soon and I am going to have to leave both at home with the neighbor watching them. She likes to relax at my house and they have someone to play with!!

[cheeselover8481]

This is a dumb question, but where do you find pet sitters? Do they post ads in the paper?

[kjk723]

do you have craigslist?? They always have ads.. check the phone book...under petsitters. I would be nervous because they are coming in you house... That is why I let my neighbor watch them..

[prettypuppypink]

I've taken one with me but had my groomer move in to care for the other two that don't travel well. I've also left them at the vet's which has a camera set-up where you can see them on your computer. I always tip the vet techs so they play extra with my dogs. The larger dogs boarded are walked on their property. They get attention. The problem is, one must book way in advance. There are pet sitters in my area that are licensed and bonded so they are checked out. That's the type business that my previous groomer just started.
Jessica

[Kona]

I either try to keep mine with family or friends. I have a couple of friends who just love to watch them.

My parents board their dog at the PetSmart Hotel. They are very pleased with the staff and facilities there.