Holidays, while relaxing for us, can be very stressful for our dog. Dogs are used to being part of a pack – our family – and when we suddenly disappear they can panic or become depressed.
Most of us don’t have a relative on hand who can care for the dog in their own environment, which means we will have to pay for our best friend to be looked after. So what are the options?
Kennels
This is probably the option most of us will choose and unfortunately it is the most stressful one for our dog: absence of their family, an unfamiliar environment with a lack of home comforts, changes in routine and noise from other dogs barking are all stress-inducing factors.
Some of these are an unavoidable part of a kennel environment, but good kennel owners will do their best to minimise stress. Look for kennels:
- With a high staff ratio, where staff members are allowed time to pet, play with and groom the dogs;
- Which allow comfort items from home, including bedding and toys, which help a dog settle more quickly;
- Which place dogs carefully so that timid dogs are not placed near aggressive dogs;
- Which have temperature levels suited to a dog used to a home environment;
- Finally, ask about enrichment activities such as daily walks, toys left in the run, etc.
Host Family
A method of pet sitting where the dog stays with a host in the local area. Hosts are often active, retired people who love animals and will make every effort to ensure your dog has a great time while you are away.
Pet Sitters
Provide pet care in your own home, either by moving in for the time you are on holiday, or by providing frequent daily visits.
This method of pet care has the obvious advantage that the dog is in a familiar and comfortable environment but it has other advantages too. It allows for mixed pet care, so other pets can be looked after under the same roof. Also from a security angle, there is someone keeping an eye on your property while you are away. Most good pet sitters bring in the mail and water plants as a complimentary service. Unless you personally know them, you need to make sure they are police checked and follow up any references they provide.
With a little research you can go away on holiday safe in the knowledge that your best friend is being cared for in the manner he or she so richly deserves!