Where can I leave my dog while I'm on vacation?

It can be hard to decide what to do with your pet if you can't take them with you on vacation. Today, our Southgate vets offer some advice on what you can do with your dog while you travel.

Where to Leave Your Dog While on Vacation

At Southgate Animal Hospital, we understand the challenge of choosing the perfect place to leave your beloved pet when you're going on vacation or away from home. If you're going on vacation or a business trip, it's important to find suitable care for your dog.

Researching the options available near you and understanding the features each service offers can simplify your decision-making process.

Dog Boarding Facilities

Today's pet boarding facilities offer a range of services, with clean kennels and lots of love and attention.

Services range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for pups who need extra love and attention, with price points that range from extravagant to affordable.

If you are in the process of deciding which boarding facility to take your dog to, be sure to check out a few different places in your area to find a facility that best suits the needs of your pet, and your wallet.

Features of Dog Boarding Facilities

The level of service provided at a dog boarding facility is often reflected in its price. If you want your furry friend to enjoy the lap of luxury, complete with plush sofas and a television for entertainment, you can expect to pay a higher price compared to a regular boarding facility that offers spacious crates and fenced dog runs.

For a truly enjoyable adventure for your pup while you're traveling, consider a fun camp experience. Dog camps across the country provide ample opportunities for your dog to enjoy the great outdoors. In certain cases, they even offer additional amenities such as swimming pools and opportunities for socializing with other dogs.

Care at Boarding Facilities

Standard care at most pet boarding facilities will include:

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

Other Commonly Available Services

If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following 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:

You could consider asking a friend or family member to take care of your companion, which would be a more cost-effective alternative to hiring a sitter. Your pet will have the comfort of being with someone they know and trust, either in a familiar setting at your home or in the sitter's own home.

Boarding Your Pet at Southgate Animal Hospital

At Southgate Animal Hospital, 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 complete boarding services for pets including dogs and cats who require medication and/or monitoring.

Our Southgate 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.