Planning Your Vacation? Plan for Your Pet’s Staycation

It’s great to get away – a vacation can be an experience or just time to relax without the day to day stresses and responsibilities of work and homeownership.

If you’re going someplace that won’t be fun for your pet or the travelling is too stressful, planning a safe and stress-free staycation for your pet is just as important as the destination you pick for yourself.

Options for Your Best Friend While You’re Away

• Kennel Your Dog
• Home Boarding
• Ask Friends, Neighbors or Family to Care for Your Pets
• Hire a House Sitter: Full or Part Time

Kennel Your Dog

If you just have a dog or dogs to care for, a professional kennel may be the option for you. Be sure to check the facility and staff out in person to make sure that your dogs will have consistency of care while you’re gone.

If you have more than one dog, will they be able to stay together for company? Will the routine be similar to yours at home with plenty of human interaction and potty breaks? Is the kennel clean and climate controlled?

Your dog’s emotional health affects her physical well-being, so visit the kennel with your dog to see if she’ll be happy at the kennel while you’re gone.

Home Boarding is a new option in some areas. Dogs are boarded in a home and live with the family and other pets. Ask dog trainers, your veterinarian or check pet message boards to see if this is an option for you.

Always ask for references and visit with your dog if you’re considering the home boarding option.

Staying with Friends and Family

If your dog feels at home with friends or family, this could be your best option. Just be sure to let your friends know if Fido regularly has to go out at midnight if he’s fed after 5 pm or any other special behaviors that are triggered by any change in schedule.

When your dog can keep his regular schedule, even in a different environment, there will be less emotional and digestive upsets.

Let Your Pets Enjoy a Staycation

If you have other pets in addition to your dog, a house/pet sitter may be the best option for you because you need to have someone care for your cat, bird, lizard, fish, etc.

This could be an extended family member, friend or professional pet/house sitter. When you have a dog door, the caregiver can keep their work schedule while your dog can get out to answer ‘nature’s call’ whenever necessary.

The familiar environment is the least stressful for dogs, and this arrangement can give you the best peace of mind while you’re on your well-deserved vacation.

Check out the many pet door options available at Hale Pet Door Products