What to do with my doggies???

[Sandy22]

Have you considered renting a house or hotel that allows pets and taking your dogs with you on vacation?

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We always ask our vet for recommendations and then check them out for ourselves. Ask lots of questions, how often are they feed/exercised? Check out the cleanliness and how happy the other dogs are. Our dog has a great place to go on his own "vacation". He gets to swim and play with other dogs, he doesn't want to come home. Our problem is leaving our elderly cat that's on medication. The vet may also suggest some pet sitters that are reliable and that may be less stressful for your pups and you.
Good luck!

We've only taken one trip (the entire family- DH was home on some trips and ofcourse he took care of Tramp while we were gone!) since we got Tramp shortly before Christmas 2004- our recent cruise. I was going to say the same as Gigi&Mimi- really check out the place you are taking them. For Tramp he was on vacation just like we were!
First I went by recommendations- from the vet and from Tramp's groomer. I ended up going with the one the groomer recommended (he also shows dogs and I figured if he would use a place like this for his prize winning babies... then it's probably the place for Tramp!). It really was like a vacation for him. They had seperate HUMONGOUS kennels for each dog complete with indoor room for each dog with a/c and doggie door to go outside to another huge kennel. Next to other dogs but not with them so in case they would fight/etc. (my concern- my dog does well with other dogs thru a fence in our backyard but he might not "act properly" around other dogs and end up getting into fights or hurt!)
She also had seperate play areas (even bigger "yards" fenced in with all sorts of toys- it was like a literaly playground for dogs.. amazing really. I didn't know dogs liked that type of playground stuff but they do! LOL) that she let them play in atleast twice a day each- and she walks each one atleast once a day (only once if it is very hot- we're in Texas and this was end of May/early June) for atleast 45min each. It was a bit pricier than what other places would charge but all the ones I saw around here were basically small kennels and walking the dog once a day and that's it.. in a kennel all day. I know he had a lot of fun going thru the doggy door inside if he's hot- outside if he wants to play.

I know he had a blast from the way he acted when we left him there and how he wasn't all THAT excited about leaving really. LOL Also he lost some weight (needed to) so that showed me had a lot of fun by being active.

You want to also check for (as she said) the cleanliness and how the other dogs not only look but how they act. If everything is clean, the other dogs seem healthy and happy- and the kennel offers what you want for your dog- that's the place to go with. They should also be only accepting your dog if you show vaccination and vet checkup records- if they are requesting that of you to have your dog stay there then it means they are doing it for the other dogs too and you're less likely to have your dog staying where dogs are sick or haven't had vaccinations/etc.

The place we took Tramp to during our trip sounds a lot like Arminnie described. I will have no fears or qualms about leaving him there on his own "vaction" again when we need to while we're on vacation. He came home happy, healthy and obviously well taken care of. She also does grooming (but is further from my house than I would like to take him to get groomed all the time- so I'm keeping my same groomer that recommended her kennel LOL) and he came home all clean, pretty and smelling good and dolled up with bandanna. He literally went on vacation while we did.

 

[SadieDog]

Our family is unable to help out. My dad has pet allergies and severe asthma, my MIL and SIL both have cats. My "friend", who watched our doggies in the past, has a baby. My cousin who would have been an excellent choice has her plate full with two doggies of her own. We are not really close to any of our neighbors.
...

I understand your Dad not being able to care for your dogs, but have you asked the others? Are you sure they won't do it? Do your dogs hate cats? I have cats and have pet sat in my home many times. Even with dogs that are not cat friendly. Sure it's more work keeping my cats and the not-cat-friendly dogs apart, but it's family so I will do it. I also have had babies and pet sat. Are you just assuming that since she had a baby she won't care for your dogs? I also have dogs and taken care of other dogs in my home. If your cousins dogs don't hate other dogs why can't she take them? I'm hoping that you just assumed that the people would say no, but if you asked someone would agree. Good luck.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

mommy*RN - We have two retired greyhounds and we luckily have someone we trust who stays at our house while we're away to doggysit. Honestly, we would never board our greyhounds given the stressful lives they've had before coming to us. I don't want them in a kennel no matter how pleasant it looks and seems. Now, this is just my opinion, but we just wouldn't do that to our precious greys.

DH and I already said that if we didn't have someone to stay at the house with them we just would not go away. I know that's not an option for many people, but I sincerely hope you find some arrangement you're comfortable with and that your precious pups will be happy with.

 

[mommy*RN]

I understand your Dad not being able to care for your dogs, but have you asked the others? Are you sure they won't do it? Do your dogs hate cats? I have cats and have pet sat in my home many times. Even with dogs that are not cat friendly. Sure it's more work keeping my cats and the not-cat-friendly dogs apart, but it's family so I will do it. I also have had babies and pet sat. Are you just assuming that since she had a baby she won't care for your dogs? I also have dogs and taken care of other dogs in my home. If your cousins dogs don't hate other dogs why can't she take them? I'm hoping that you just assumed that the people would say no, but if you asked someone would agree. Good luck.

I am guilty of not asking all the above people this time, but in the past when we've had to ask them the answer has been "No". I don't think my husbands family are big dog people. My friend who petsat for me before did tell me that she would not want the dogs this time around. My cousins dogs are very naughty and don't even get along with each other that well...they also attack kids so my cousin has her work cut out for her when she and her hubby decide to start a family! I guess what it comes down too is that our family is not made of a lot of pet lovers that are willing to help us out...and that is okay because the dogs are ultimately our responsibility. I can tell you are a pet lover too...live near WI???

Thank you to everyone for your posts though. I don't know if our vet offers a kennel service...I know in the past they didn't when they were located in a converted home, but they recently moved to a bigger facility so maybe they do. My DH has to take them in soon for shots and such so I might even see if anyone there knows a pet sitter who would watch them either in their home or ours. I would LOVE to have family pop in and let the dogs out and that might be a possibility...I will have to check into it.

I appreciate all the advice and stories...so THANK YOU!

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I haven't read the replies yet, but thought I'd chime in here. Maybe you could ask around (vet, etc.) for someone who watches dogs in their home. I run a side business of dog sitting out of my home. I couldn't stand the thought of putting our Goldens in a kennel, and was so relieved to find someone nearby who watches dogs right in their home...so I started doing the same, and love it (most of the time). The dogs join in as part of our family. We only crate those who need to be crated (and only at night or when we have to leave). The dogs enjoy playing with each other, and being around people who give out tons of attention. I wish I lived closer, or they could come play at our house!!!

Also, I work for a pet sitter (yet another mini job). She used to offer a doggie bed and breakfast service, where the dogs stayed at her house...basically like what I do. She charged a lot more than I do, but it would be worth it to me for a good place to send my dogs. You may check out local pet sitting companies for that.

Good luck!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

After some posts after mine (and others) about kennels- I just wanted to clarify that the place I left mine is at a person's home- not a regular kennel type place. It's a place she built right off the back of her home with the indoor/outdoor big kennels and play area, yard, etc. for the dogs. the dogs were never left alone in some building off somewhere else.

Personally there's no way I'd ever find anyone, even if I could afford that?, to come sit in my home 24/7 with my dog while we're gone. And I'd rather not have someone just come over once or twice a day and feed him/walk him. He'd be so lonely! He can't even stand it when we leave to go out to eat or something- we have to let him in the backyard while we're gone so he can play and "visit" with the neighboring dogs thru the back fence. Then he's happy. If we leave him in the house- even with the doggy door available to go in and out- he freaks out and tears up the house and is so sad when we leave and when we return he's all clingy like he thinks we're leaving again. He needs interaction with other dogs and people while we're gone- not just a visit or two. I can't even imagine where I'd start looking for someone to stay in the home the entire time we were gone- or keep him at their home and stay with him 24/ while we're gone. This was the best option for us- but it doesn't make us like our precious baby any less than anyone else that chooses another option. It's the best for HIM.

 

[Mr._The_King]

The last two years we have boarded our two dogs (mixed breed and a cocker spaniel) in a "pet lodge" and have had great results. They always come back brushed and with a "doggie treat bag" and have had no problems. I do feel we got lucky in finding a place that has outdoor/indoor "suites" that are designed to let the dogs go in and out as they choose during the day along with scheduled exercise times. They also allow us to board the two dogs together in a single (larger) suite so they will have familliar company. We have had great experiences. Our animals have returned healthy and happy. If you have found a good boarder I'm sure you'll have nothing to worry about.

 

[lady9]

We are having a reliable college boy stay at the house with our older dog when we are away. We found him through a friend who said her dog loved him, he needed the extra money, and left the house cleaner than she did! Maybe you could find someone like that. Our dog has health issues so we feel more comfortable with someone at the house with her.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We are having a reliable college boy stay at the house with our older dog when we are away. We found him through a friend who said her dog loved him, he needed the extra money, and left the house cleaner than she did! Maybe you could find someone like that. Our dog has health issues so we feel more comfortable with someone at the house with her.

That's how I found our dog/house sitter! I work at a college and our sitter was a student of mine that I trusted. Now he's a colleague! My girls love him.

 

[YorkieMom]

If Disney had a resort that was pet friendly, it would be booked to capacity for years !!!!!

Our solution is Fort Wilderness in our RV so Hollie the Yorkie can share the Magic !!!!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Oh mygoodness YorkieMom! Hollie is a sweetheart!

 

[mshrm]

I was in the same situation. I usually take my babies with me but their small dogs. This time they cant go. I dont like kennels because their too small(around here) and too pricey. It costs $25 per dog per day and we will be gone 15 days. SO I asked around and found a local teen to come to the house and let them in and out 3x a day for $10 a day. I know they will miss us but as long as their home and together they will be fine. Good luck I hope you find a wonderful solution for your little furry friends too!

 

[arminnie]

If you have a dog sitter come to your home, please make sure that they have your cell phone and that you have a backup.

I had some neighbors take care of my dog about 20 years ago. Fortunately my dog had a dog door, and I had put out lots of food and water. Because they had something come up and left town. They didn't even tell another neighbor.

My dog was alone for five days. Again he had food, water and access to outside, but I would have never left him like that on purpose.

Your pet sitter could be run over by the "proverbial truck" so just make sure there is some backup somewhere. I learned that the hard way.

Another time I had used a young woman from our office to stay in my home. She was thrilled as she lived with her parents and so did her boyfriend, so this gave them some "alone" time (they were in their mid-twenties not teenagers). The day I was supposed to leave she got very sick and was not at work that day. I made kennel arrangements at the last minute, but was glad that someone told me she wasn't at work that day.

 

[mom2boystx]

I sent you PM. I am a Set Sitter in Texas since 1991 but can definitely help you find one in your area. Highly recommend it!

Also, I honeymooned in DW too. 1996. I am going back for my 10yr anniv this October along with my boys' first trip...for their bdays too!

look forward to helping you out if you want!
Peggy

 

[SadieDog]

I can tell you are a pet lover too...live near WI???

Thank you to everyone for your posts though.
I appreciate all the advice and stories...so THANK YOU!

Wish I lived closer to you b/c I enjoy pet sitting. I live in Maine.
Everything will probably work out just fine. Have a great vacation!

 

[tazleiten12]

I am guilty of not asking all the above people this time, but in the past when we've had to ask them the answer has been "No". I don't think my husbands family are big dog people. My friend who petsat for me before did tell me that she would not want the dogs this time around. My cousins dogs are very naughty and don't even get along with each other that well...they also attack kids so my cousin has her work cut out for her when she and her hubby decide to start a family! I guess what it comes down too is that our family is not made of a lot of pet lovers that are willing to help us out...and that is okay because the dogs are ultimately our responsibility. I can tell you are a pet lover too...live near WI???

Thank you to everyone for your posts though. I don't know if our vet offers a kennel service...I know in the past they didn't when they were located in a converted home, but they recently moved to a bigger facility so maybe they do. My DH has to take them in soon for shots and such so I might even see if anyone there knows a pet sitter who would watch them either in their home or ours. I would LOVE to have family pop in and let the dogs out and that might be a possibility...I will have to check into it.

I appreciate all the advice and stories...so THANK YOU!

Where are you in Wisconsin? I'm also looking to board my puppy in October, and I'm in Wisconsin. I do have a pet sitter that took care of our cat and Guinea pig. But i don't know how many times she would need to come for a 6 month old puppy!

 

[Going Broke]

Okay, mommy*RN. I am also from WI (Racine) and I too am going in Oct. Let's make a deal...if you are in my area, and not going to WDW Oct.26-Nov.4, I can watch your doggies if you watch mine!!
This deal also goes out to tazleiten12!

 

[YorkieMom]

Hi CRSNDSNY !!!!!

Thanks, Hollie is quite the Princess !!!!!

The caption on her picture should be "Guaranteed to Make You Smile !!!!!"

 

[tazleiten12]

Okay, mommy*RN. I am also from WI (Racine) and I too am going in Oct. Let's make a deal...if you are in my area, and not going to WDW Oct.26-Nov.4, I can watch your doggies if you watch mine!!
This deal also goes out to tazleiten12!

I'm going Oct 20-30, i guess that wouldnt work as the days overlap! I wonder how many people from Wisconsin are going in October, maybe i should find a kennel quick, before they are all full