Quck answer
When it comes to traveling, pet owners often face the dilemma of what to do with their furry friends. Pet boarding is a popular option, but it can be costly and stressful for both the pet and owner. Here are five alternatives to pet boarding:
1. Hire a pet sitter: You can hire a professional pet sitter to come to your home and take care of your pet while you’re away.
2. Ask a friend or family member: If you have a trusted friend or family member who loves animals, ask them to take care of your pet while you’re away.
3. Use a pet daycare: Pet daycares offer day-long or overnight care for pets, giving them playtime and socialization with other animals.
4. Try a pet-friendly hotel: Many hotels now offer pet-friendly accommodations, so you can bring your pet with you on your trip.
5. Bring your pet with you: If you’re traveling by car, consider bringing your pet with you. Just be sure to make frequent stops for potty breaks and exercise.
Pets
When your pet is treated like family, it can be difficult to leave them at a boarding kennel. See more pictures of pets.
John Howard/Getty Images
You’re excited for your upcoming vacation. You’ve purchased your plane tickets, reserved a hotel room, and packed your bags. The only thing that is causing you stress is leaving a vital member of your family behind – your pet.
To ensure that your beloved furry friend is well taken care of while you’re away, you consider boarding them. However, you can’t bear the thought of leaving your pet – who is used to sleeping in the comfort of your own bed – with strangers in an unfamiliar place. Additionally, the expenses of pet boarding can quickly accumulate. Pet boarding fees can range from $15 to $35 per day, based on the quality of the establishment and the services it provides.
So, what are some other options besides pet boarding that won’t break the bank and will leave you and your furry companion stress-free?
5: Hire a House Sitter
Hiring a house sitter can solve two issues at once. While you’re away, someone will watch over your home and take care of your pet. Your pet’s routine won’t be disturbed much, and it can stay in a familiar environment while you’re gone. Your pet won’t experience the stress it might feel at a boarding facility.
One disadvantage of hiring a house sitter is the cost. Although some house sitters offer their services in exchange for rent-free living, others charge a fee. Another potential downside is that you may feel uncomfortable having someone live in your house while you’re away. However, most professional house sitters can offer references to ensure that your pet and home are safe.
4: Have Someone Check on Your Pet
Asking a friend to check on your pet frequently can be an easy way to avoid pet boarding. This option works best for cats since they don’t require as much upkeep as dogs. You can ask a friend to stop by once a day to feed your cat and take care of the litter box.
Dogs can be a bit more challenging because some breeds require more attention and frequent walks than cats. Some breeds of dogs may require a more vigorous walking routine than a friend can provide while they are only stopping by for a few minutes at a time. However, if you have a relatively calm dog and you’re only going away for a short amount of time, such as two days, your dog should be fine if a friend stops by two or three times a day.
3: Bring Your Pet Along
Your dog may enjoy a camping trip.
Noel Hendrickson/Getty Images
Many hotels are pet-friendly. Call in advance to see if your hotel allows pets. If you bring your pet with you, you won’t have to worry about hiring someone to care for it or placing it in an unfamiliar place for an extended period of time. If you’re going on a nature-filled vacation, your pet may enjoy that kind of trip.
If you’re considering taking your pet with you on vacation, it’s important to make sure that it’s a suitable option for your furry friend. If your pet is low-key and adaptable, then it could be a good choice. However, if you’re worried about your puppy causing damage to your hotel room, then it might not be the best idea. It’s also worth considering the distance you’ll be traveling, as this could be stressful for your pet.
Another option is to hire a professional dog walker to take care of your pet while you’re away. This can be a good choice if you want to leave your pet at home, as you can be sure that it will receive the attention and care it needs. However, it can be expensive, with prices ranging from $15 to $40 per visit.
Alternatively, you could ask a friend to look after your pet while you’re away. This can be a cost-effective option, and it means that your pet will be cared for in a familiar environment. To make sure that your pet is comfortable, you could introduce them to your friend’s home before you leave. Overall, there are several options to choose from, so it’s important to consider what will work best for you and your pet.
Additional Information
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- How Microchipping for Pets Functions
- 6 Animals that Traveled Long Distances to Return Home
- Top 5 Dangers when Driving with a Pet
- How Pet Transportation Works
- Do Pets Experience Jet Lag?
Sources
- “Caring for Pets While You Travel.” The Humane Society of the United States. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/caring_for_pets_when_you_travel/
- “Choosing a Boarding Kennel.” The Humane Society of the United States. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_boarding_kennel.html
- “Choosing a Pet Sitter.” The Humane Society of the United States. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_pet_sitter/
- “FAQs: Pet Sitters/Boarding.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_faq_boarding
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. http://www.petsitters.org/
- Pet Care Services Association. http://www.petcareservices.org
- “Tips on Hiring a Professional Dog Walker.” International Association of Canine Professionals. http://www.dogpro.org/index.php?pageID=215
FAQ
1. What are some alternatives to pet boarding?
There are several alternatives to pet boarding such as hiring a pet sitter, using a pet daycare, asking a friend or family member to care for your pet, bringing your pet along on vacation, or utilizing a pet-friendly hotel.
2. What should I look for in a pet sitter?
When looking for a pet sitter, make sure they are licensed and insured, have experience with your type of pet, and can provide references. You should also ask about their availability and how they plan to care for your pet.
3. What is pet daycare?
Pet daycare is a service that provides day-long care for pets, typically while their owners are at work. Many pet daycares offer activities, socialization opportunities, and even training sessions for pets.
4. Can I bring my pet on vacation?
Yes, many hotels and vacation rentals are pet-friendly and allow pets to stay with their owners. However, it’s important to research pet policies and fees before booking to ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
5. What should I do if I can’t find a pet-friendly accommodation?
If you can’t find a pet-friendly accommodation, consider leaving your pet with a trusted friend or family member or hiring a pet sitter to care for them while you’re away.
6. Are there any apps that can help me find pet-friendly accommodations?
Yes, there are several apps such as BringFido and Airbnb that allow you to filter for pet-friendly accommodations and even read reviews from other pet owners.
7. How can I ensure my pet is comfortable while I’m away?
Make sure to provide your pet with their favorite toys, bedding, and food. You can also consider leaving an article of clothing with your scent on it to help ease separation anxiety.
8. Can I trust a pet sitter to care for my pet?
Yes, if you choose a reputable and experienced pet sitter, they should be able to provide top-quality care for your pet while you’re away. It’s important to thoroughly research and vet potential pet sitters before hiring them.
9. How much does pet boarding typically cost?
The cost of pet boarding can vary depending on factors such as location, the size of your pet, and the services provided. However, it can range from $25 to $75 per night.
10. How much does pet sitting typically cost?
The cost of pet sitting can vary depending on factors such as the length of the visit and the number of pets. However, it can range from $15 to $35 per visit.
11. Can my pet get sick at a pet daycare?
There is always a risk of your pet getting sick at a pet daycare due to the close proximity of other animals. However, reputable pet daycares should have strict sanitation protocols in place to minimize the risk of illness.
12. How can I ensure my pet is safe while in someone else’s care?
Make sure to thoroughly research and vet potential pet sitters or daycares. Ask for references and look for licenses and insurance. You can also consider installing a pet camera or GPS tracker to monitor your pet while you’re away.
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