Question for people with pets - boarding your dog

[georgie]

We may have to board our dogs when we go out of town next month. My parents or friends usually keep them for us but my parents are going with us and the friends may not be available. We have a 4 month old puppy and a 5 year old dog. neither have ever been boarded. We crate the puppy during the day while we are at work but its never for more then 4 hours at a time.

I guess I'm worried that they are just going to be locked in crates for 5 days straight. How does boarding usually work? Do they get a lot of play time out of the crates or cages? 

FWIW we do have a vet that we like alot but it still makes me nervous.

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Some places won't take a puppy that young. I'd consider hiring a pet sitter to stay at your house.

[speckledfrog]

There are boarding facilities that also offer doggie daycare. We always use those when we travel, even if we have to drive a bit to get to them. Does you puppy have all of his/her shots?

[speckledfrog]

Jun 4, 2013 19:41:15 GMT -5 thinkofthesoldiers said:

Some places won't take a puppy that young. I'd consider hiring a pet sitter to stay at your house.

I forgot that when we first moved here we boarded him with a pet sitter (at her house) so that may be an option as well.

[Jermys]

Our dog is boarded very rarely, but when she is, she goes to someone's home and they NEVER cage her. I pay them $35 a day. It's worth every cent.

[georgie]

She does have all her shots. How did you all find these pet sitters? That sounds like a good option I had not thought of.

[Jalapeñomel]

You can find a facility and tour it. Also, I would board them overnight for a Friday just to test them out to see how they do. Make sure you get all their shots.

Also I would double check the age, because your dog is really young (ditto TOTS).

[TrickyBob]

We kennel/board our dog and last summer we did for a week. They had a big doggy run that was fenced in and a temperature controlled kennel. Several times a day they got to go run around outside and the rest of the day they'd hang out in their kennels. The kennels were fairly big and each dog had their own dog cot up off the floor. For $12 a day, it was in a nice place with the owners on the property.

But I'm not sure what kennels do about puppies though.


ETA: Before we boarded her, we did a trial run to see how she did. 

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 4, 2013 19:44:04 GMT -5 georgie said:

She does have all her shots. How did you all find these pet sitters? That sounds like a good option I had not thought of.

Do you live near a university? Put an ad out on your Facebook, or Craigslist.

[speckledfrog]

georgie, YGPM

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Check out www.dogvacay.com

[Jermys]

Care.com has pet carers too, I think. We found ours through some dog nerd friends. This woman hand feeds Lucy for the first couple of days when she's too stressed to eat. Abandonment issues suck.

[meemz]

I had to use one once and it was recommended by my vet. But it was a "pet hotel". An example of one...- Family Villa* 6′x12′ $40 per Night (Private stay only)

Private Stay for 2 pets or more only (Includes ; feedings, 4 to 6 walks per day for about 15 to 30 minutes each time, 1-on-1 play with a kennel counselor, use of the outdoor play areas and splash pools when the social groups are inside. This option does NOT include socialization with other pets (recommended for non-social pets (aggressive towards other dogs), geriatric pets, and for pets in recovery from a vet visit.)

And then this one...
Social Boarding* $37 per Night

Includes socialization with other pets for the entire stay. This boarding option consists of a set schedule of daily activities. They will have access to all of the Outdoor turf and grass play areas, indoor play areas and splash pools. Outdoor playtime will depend on the weather, but our indoor play areas are very spacious so that your loved one will not miss out on playtime!! even if they are inside. At night Lucky dog’s pet beds will be put in the indoor play areas, and that’s where all social boarders will sleep. All feeding will be done separate to avoid any food aggression. - Social Boarding Plus Villa* $40 per Night - Social Boarding Plus Luxury Villa* $45 per Night - Social Boarding Plus Family Villa* $45 per Night

This boarding options includes the same activities as social boarding but after diner time 7 to 8 pm your pet will be separated from the social group and will be placed on his/her own private villa, they will be reintegrated into the social group at 7 in the morning. They will also get a final night walk before bed time.

[BlackCanary]

I work at a doggie day care/hotel- this is what we do.

Yes, the dogs are in rooms but they are taken out during the day for walks and day camp (if the pet parent chooses to pay for that.) There is always someone there, even overnight, so they are never alone. Some people pay extra and have their dog stay in a "suite." Different type of room and there is a tv for the dog to watch. For some dogs it helps them relax to have some noise. Right now our hotel is playing Scooby-Doo.   

When we go out of town I have Abby boarded. I know she is in good hands and she has a lot of fun playing with the other dogs. 

Edit: And I think we don't allow puppies at 4 months to stay...I think they have to be at least 6 months? I can't remember exactly. 

[georgie]

Speckledfrog thanks! You have a PM back.

[puppyluv]

Jun 4, 2013 19:44:04 GMT -5 georgie said:

She does have all her shots. How did you all find these pet sitters? That sounds like a good option I had not thought of.

I have a single friend who watches our dogs. He doesn't mind staying at our house while we are gone to take care of them.


When I was in highschool, I used to pet sit for the family I babysat for. Do you know any responsible students that could do it since they are on summer break.  Also, you could ask your vet if she knows of any dog sitters.

[georgie]

I would absolutely pay for that pet hotel deal however I live in small town, middle of nowhere USA and my options are limited. So basically what I am gathering is that boarding them t the vet is probably not the way to go given the things I am worried about?

[thinkofthesoldiers]

Jun 4, 2013 19:55:14 GMT -5 georgie said:

I would absolutely pay for that pet hotel deal however I live in small town, middle of nowhere USA and my options are limited. So basically what I am gathering is that boarding them t the vet is probably not the way to go given the things I am worried about?

Not necessarily. We left our dogs at the vets and they were always really happy. They were left overnight alone, but they kenneled together, so they weren't all alone. The techs took great care of them and the dogs were always happen when they would see them.

[georgie]

I guess I will need to check on the puppy being allowed to stay. I want the, together wherever they go. We do live near a University so I will check with them. Ideally I'd love for someone to house sit for us and just stay here with the dogs.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

[meemz]

Sorry if in repeatinv anyone but I'm drinking some Crown but anyway...Idk if you work or bit but do you have anyone at your work that you could trust or close with to ask then to watch your pet. I watched a girls cat at my work and vice.versa someone watched my dog for a few days that i trusted. From my work.

[georgie]

Jun 4, 2013 20:01:37 GMT -5 meemz said:

Sorry if in repeatinv anyone but I'm drinking some Crown but anyway...Idk if you work or bit but do you have anyone at your work that you could trust or close with to ask then to watch your pet. I watched a girls cat at my work and vice.versa someone watched my dog for a few days that i trusted. From my work.

Oh I'm right there with ya but drinking vodka. I only started the job I'm at now in April so I'm not sure I feel comfortable asking them quite yet. 

[pooh8402]

our dog's kennel has play time 6x/day with other dogs of similar sizes, like doggy daycare. they stay in a run that is about 8' x 4' so plenty of room to walk around, lay down, etc.