Kennel for the dog

[firefox2]

I am just curious, what does everyone do with their pets when they travel? We have always had someone stay at our house and watch the pets (finch, chinchillas, tarantulas and dogs). A few years ago, we lost our beloved dog, and a year and a half ago, we got a puppy, but have not been away since. We have someone staying at the house to watch the other pets for our upcoming trip, but decided to pay extra to send the dog to a "dog spa" for the gold package, yes, he is a tad bit spoiled :rotfl2:

Well, now people at work etc. are giving us a hard time, saying it isn't fair to the dog to do this to him. The kennel is vet recommended, he has his own room, one on one time with the caregivers, a playground to play in, play time with other dogs his size that are also dog friendly, walks twice a day and grooming. He can have his bed, toys, etc. there, and I know he will be looked after, so, why are others trying to make us feel guilty about this? :confused3

[stefanospops]

I don't think there is anythign wrong with this at all. We always leave our Jack Russell at a "pet hotel" where he has his own room, etc. The only thing I can suggest is that if your dog will get more attention there then at home with the house/pet sitter then it makes sense to take him to the spa. Dogs are social beings and need interaction with others. Have fun!

[Eeyore's the Best]

We always leave our dog at a Pet Hotel. He LOVES it...he gets to play with other dogs, gets a break from sleeping all day at home! We have about 4 different places he's been, sometimes it's tough to book. We insist on individual rooms with doors, no cages, or fences, we bring his own bed and his own food and he is absolutely fine every time. I think it's worse to make the dog spend all that time in his own home where he is used to you coming home and the routine and he'll really notice that you are not there.

[mcvixen]

I'd agree with the other posters - a good quality kennel is great. But of course, there's the usual stuff to consider....

a) I'd check it out carefully wrt health policies. It can be rough if a puppy picks up kennel cough (or anything else, for that matter).

b) I probably wouldn't kennel a senior dog (yours obviously isn't in this situation). Sometimes the stress of the new situation can be very very hard on an older dog.

But my goodness, those kennels described above sound like doggy-heaven!

[firefox2]

Yes, it has strict health policies, and was recommended by our vet. All dogs must be on flea control, vet checked and have all vaccines and licenses up to date. Our dog has also had the bordetella vaccine, as well as parvo, rabies, etc. He is pretty much covered, so I have no kennel cough concerns.

He can have his own toys, bed, blankets, and whatever else we choose to send of his, and I have also arranged for his Grandparents and human sibling to go out and take him for a walk :rotfl:

[BitsnBearsMom]

We do the 'doggie spa' for Cricket - in fact I'm on my way to pick him up from his 12 night stay in about an hour or so - stinks to be back to reality!!

[MickMick]

If he goes with us or he stays in the city, he is at a doggy day care/boarding facility. I couldn't imagine leaving my dog in a cage for 7 days while I am on vacation, so I always pick a place where he can socialize with other dogs. He loves it.

He drives to Disney with us and we always drop him off at a place called Dog Day Afternoon. He goes crazy. :)

[minnie56]

How about kitties? Anyone have a good recommendation? We have always had a girl (well she's in her early 30's) come and stay but she recently had a baby and life is different now. I always feel cats are better in their own home with someone but maybe that's because I have never been thrilled with anyplace else?

:confused3