Where to Leave a Dog While on Vacation

Options for Pet Care While You're on Vacation 

Our veterinary team at Taylor Veterinary Emergency understands that deciding whether to board your four-legged friend, hire a dog sitter, or plan other accommodations for your pet can be a difficult decision. After all, you want to find qualified caregivers and a comfortable place for them to say if you can't be there to look after them yourself. 

Researching the available options near you and which features are offered by each service can help to make your decision easier. 

Dog Boarding Facilities 

Pet boarding facilities offer clean kennels, lots of love and attention from staff and a range of services to accommodate pets and their owners, from pet spas and doggy summer camps to medical boarding for pups who need extra care. Many of today's facilities treat dogs almost like they are on their own little vacation, so they won't be deprived of attention and activity while staying in a kennel. Of course, price points also range from affordable to extravagant. 

If you are in the process of deciding which dog boarding facility to take your pup to while you're on vacation, check into a few different places in your area to find a place that best suits your pet's needs and your budget. 

Features of Dog Boarding Facilities 

Price is typically a good indicator of the level of service you can expect your dog to receive at a given boarding facility. You'll pay a higher price if your pup will be treated to a luxurious, hotel-like room with a comfy sofa to lounge on and a TV to watch, than if you choose a standard facility with roomy crates and fenced dog runs. 

If you'd like your four-legged companion to enjoy active days full of adventure while you're traveling, a fun camp experience may be ideal for them. Dog camps across the country offer lots of opportunities for your dog to explore the outdoors. They may also have additional facilities dedicated for dogs to swim and play in groups. 

Care at Boarding Facilities 

Standard care at most pet boarding facilities will include: 

• A clean, roomy kennel for your pooch to sleep in 
• Breakfast and dinner served in the kennel  
• Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs 
• Mid-day playtime outside the kennel to allow your pup to burn some energy 
• Evening bathroom break 

Other Services That Are Often Available

If you are looking for more tailored services than a standard boarding facility would offer, many facilities also offer these services:

Hiring a Dog Sitter

When interviewing for a dog sitter be sure to request a list of references as well as a list of qualifications. How much you will pay for a pet sitter will depend upon the level of service you choose for your pet.

Dog sitters can help to protect your home by keeping your place looking lived-in to any passers-by. Hiring a live-in pet sitter will allow you to rest assured that someone is caring for your home at night.

Extra Services Available From Some Pet Sitters

If your dog requires more care than just feeding and being let out a few times a day, some pet sitters offer additional services such as:

A cheaper option for hiring a sitter would be to find a friend or family member who would be willing to look after your companion. This way your pet will be with someone familiar, likely in a familiar environment (depending on whether your sitter watches your pup at your house, or cares for them at their own house).

The Choice is Yours 

Choosing the best dog care or boarding facility for your vacation or time away from home is ultimately a personal decision. Our Turlock vets recommend taking your budget and available options in your neighbourhood into consideration when making this important choice.

By doing a bit of research into the services available in your area, you'll likely be able to find just the right level of care for your fur baby at a price you can afford. Taking time to prepare may even help to relieve some of your own anxiety about leaving your dog while you're on vacation. 

Boarding Your Pet at Taylor Veterinary Emergency

At Taylor Veterinary Emergency, we understand that it can be stressful to leave your pet - especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery.

Our goal is to put help put your mind at ease by providing your dog with the care they need while you're away. We provide comprehensive boarding services for pets including dogs and cats who require medication and/or monitoring.

Our Turlock dog boarding facility provides:

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.