Your dog is a member of the family, and it is hard to leave her behind when you go on vacation. For many people, deciding whether to bring their pet along for a trip or leave her behind in a dog boarding facility is a difficult choice. It’s best to make the decision of whether to board or not based around your dog’s best interests.
Disadvantages of Dog Boarding
How well your dog will cope being away from you depends on her temperament and personality. Some dogs tolerate change much better than others and even enjoy being around the other animals at a kennel. However, many dogs become stressed in an unfamiliar environment, miss their owners, are nervous around other dogs, and feel anxious about the change to their routine. If you are unsure about how your dog will cope in a boarding facility, you should schedule a trial session for one or two days before you make your final decision.
Another concern is that your dog may be exposed to disease. However, you can reduce this risk by ensuring that you choose a reputable facility where only dogs that have current vaccinations are allowed to board.
Benefits of Dog Boarding
At a dog boarding facility, your dog will receive constant attention from trained professionals. You can rest assured that she will receive proper care and that she will have someone trustworthy and qualified in the case of an emergency situation.
Disadvantage of Traveling with Your Dog
Although dog boarding is not cheap, it may be just as expensive to travel with your dog. Plus, you will have the added responsibility of accommodating your pet and planning your daily activities around her. If you intend to leave her in a hotel for most of the day, she will probably be just as stressed, if not more so, than in a boarding facility and without staff supervision.
Furthermore, if you travel with your dog, it may be difficult to provide her with adequate exercise and to feed her at the times she is accustomed. At a boarding facility, she will receive daily exercise and staff will cater to any special dietary requirements she has.
Benefits of Traveling with Your Dog
The main advantage of taking your dog along with you is obvious: you will have your companion with you. Traveling with your dog also gives you the chance to share your vacation with the entire family.
Choosing to Board Your Dog
If you do decide to board your dog, it is important that you find a facility that you can trust where you know that your dog will be safe and happy. Seek out references from friends, family members, and professionals to find good dog boarding locations in your area. Once you have several recommendations, investigate each through online reviews and check they have no negative reports with the Better Business Bureau.
Lastly, you should investigate the establishment in person: tour the facilities and ask questions about daily schedules, exercise, meals, and vaccination requirements. Also ask about day care and training options while you are away. The right kennel will be clean with spacious cages. Rule out any locations that do not allow you to see their full facilities.
Once you have made your choice, provide the kennel with your contact information, the phone number of your veterinarian, and any medical or dietary requirements your dog may have.
Choosing to Travel with Your Dog
If you choose to travel with your dog, you will need to conduct research into the restrictions and requirements set by the airline, destination country or state, as well as the hotel.
In addition, you should schedule a consultation with your veterinarian, who will ensure that your pet is in good health, that she is up to date with her vaccinations, and that you have all the legal documents you need for traveling.
