October 17, 2022
Back From Vacation!
Well hello!
The pups, my husband, and I all had some fun adventures last week! Sean and I visited Nags Head, NC with family and we took Toki along. He has been going to the beach since he was a puppy, and he rides very well in the car, so the 7.5 hour drive was no problem for him! Starla and Tiramisu stayed in our home with a good friend and one of her dogs (Mollie) and had a prolonged sleepover. It was wonderful to feel confident that our pups were comfortable and safe while we were away. Which brings me to the point of this blog post:
Canine Boarding and Management – Vacation or Otherwise
Researching kennels or overnight daycares when you have pets is an important part of their care. We want to be sure that our pets are safe when we need to be away. Having a plan in place for vacations or emergencies is something that should be considered when bringing a pet into the home. It might not seem like a big deal, but knowing you have a plan in place when you need it is invaluable. Check with kennels to find out what their vaccine requirements are. Don’t get caught off guard in a pinch and find yourself unable to secure a necessary vaccine in time for your pup’s stay!
Some dogs have special needs (or special personalities) and may not do well in kennel situations. Or maybe you are not comfortable with the thought of your pet being cared for by someone you don’t know well. In those cases, consider looking into reliable in-home pet sitters, or a trusted friend who can care for your animals while you’re away. Be sure that everyone’s expectations are laid out ahead of time. Good communication is key, and will keep everyone safe and happy.
I like to take my dogs on trips with me when I can, but it’s not always practical or possible. In those instances, I have a friend watch my dogs in my home or hers. One of my dogs takes daily medication, and it’s important to me to know she is getting what she needs on schedule. I also enjoy the knowledge that my dogs’ routines are not being disrupted. Again, this is not the best situation for everyone or every dog. You may find that you are better able to enjoy your time away when your dogs are in a professional boarding facility. The best thing to do is what works for your family…but be sure to consider your options well before the need arises for boarding or pet sitting. We like to keep things happy and stress-free for our pets, so let’s do the same for ourselves! Start planning for your times away early on so you can rest easy when the time comes.
Toki at the Bodie Island Lighthouse
Mollie (left), Tiramisu (top right), and Starla (front right) enjoying each other’s company