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Jun

2008

5:43pm

Vacation and your pets

Posted by ruthie (ruthiegirl66) in Pet Services

3 comments

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Ok this is the first time in years we have had a family vacation. The last time we went somewhere we left our pets with family. We cannot do this anymore so we had to board our dogs. I was so nervous, I worried for weeks. Penny and Daisy were kenneled together and Maggie had her own space. When we returned they seem fine, they had all lost weight, I assume they just didn't eat as much because they were not home and therefore not happy. I can only wonder how well they were cared for, I did as much checking as possible, its hard to find someone who will care for your pets like you do. As a matter of fact NO one takes care of them like you do. But you have to find someone that will at least take care of their basic needs and treat them well because its such an adjustment for them to be away from home anyway. Our Lilly and Piggy stayed with Mom and Dad but they already have 2 dogs and a ferret so they couldn't take our dogs too.

We have been home a week and they seem to be back to normal, Daisy barks alot more than she used to and I just think its a matter of her wanting attention, she had never in 11 years been boarded and she used to have separation anxiety when she was younger. They all want to sleep in our room at night, which is fine with us but I only hope they were well taken care of.
I honestly think there should be more pet motels or doggie spas where they have to be accredited and you are more sure of the kind of service they provide.
We checked one kennel out that did not have windows and was dark inside during the day, I didn't want to leave our girls there because they are used to being in the house with lots of windows and sunlight. I was also afraid Maggie being a pit would pose a problem but it didn't, the kennel took her, didn't charge more for her and seemed fine with her when we dropped them off. I guess I'm just rambling because in our rural area there are few options to find a safe place to leave your pets and I just wondered what others do in this situation.

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3 comments found.

Percysmom
2 months ago

I am lucky enough to have family who cares for my animals. Occasionally though due to conflicts in vacation schedules I have boarded my animals. I know it can be difficult for some animals depending on ther personality. My animals are boarded at my vet. I know it's not like some of the more posh pet hotels but I know they get great care thereas well as great medical attention if need be. My dog looks at it like a big social event. She basically runs into the back where the kennels are. They also have a fenced grassy back yard where each dog gets time to play during the day. Boarding can be especially tough on cats as well, but my vet has a seperate cat room which reduces their stress from all the barking dogs. In the room there are three floor kitty condos. It also has glass door to the outside so they can watch the birds outside. The litter box is located under the bottom floor which they get to through an opening in the floor. I love the fact that they're not stuck in a tiny place right next to their box. I sent lots of toys and bedding for all. It's worth looking around and asking to see where the animals are kept as well as what their schedule is. If you didn't last time your dogs were boarded maybe sending their own food with them may help as well. I know how hard it is for us to leave our babies. I get stressed everytime we get ready to go on vacation. My husband has to basically drag me away. I'm always afraid that one of the cats may get out of the house or perhaps my mother won't give out the medication correctly etc. When I return to happy healthy pets though, I'm always glad I went.

Pat S. (PatSphar)
2 months ago

I usually pay someone to come in and stay with them, but I know that isn't always possible for everyone. I have several friends that will do this for me, but I insist on paying them and if the won't accept $$ then I get them a gift card of some kind. I have 3 dogs, one is blind, and I hate to leave them in a strange place altho' there are many good places around here. Sometimes local vets can recommend places. I am glad you are home safe and sound and your pets are with you again.

Cheryl (cherries33)
2 months ago

I started to say I just don't go on vacation rather than leave my pets. But when i thought about it I remembered that I had a neighbor come over to feed my cats and did tons of research on places I could bring my dog (only Lola at the time) along with me. I just went to small cabin where I could read photograph, paint and let Lola enjoy new smells. I didn't have to worry about family vacations or as many pets as I have now.