What To Do With Your Dog When You Travel

Your pet is a cherished member of your family, but it's not always possible to take your dog along when you go on vacation. Today our Bartlett vets offer advice on what to do with your dog while you travel.

Where to Leave Your Dog While On Vacation

At Hillcrest Animal Hospital we know that deciding where to leave your four-legged friend while you're on vacation or away from home can be a difficult one to answer. Whether you are heading out on vacation for a couple of weeks, or off on a business trip for a couple of days, you will need to find appropriate care for your dog.

Doing a little research into the options available near you, and what features each service offers, can help to make your decision easier.

Dog Boarding When You Need To Be Away

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

Price is typically a good indicator of the level of service provided at a given dog boarding facility. If your pooch will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and tv to watch, you're going to pay more than you would to board your pet at a standard facility with roomy crates and fenced dog runs. 

If you want your pup to enjoy an active adventure while you're traveling, a fun camp experience may be ideal. Dog camps across the country offer loads of time for your dog to explore outdoors, as well as added facilities in some cases for swimming and playing with other dogs.

Choosing The Level of Service That's Right for Your Dog & Your Wallet

Pet care while for while you're on vacation will typically be priced based on the level of service you choose. Luxury accommodations will be far more expensive per day than a standard kennel

That said, it's important to keep in mind that extravagant facility features don't necessarily add up to better care for your pet.

Standard care for dogs at most pet boarding facilities includes:

• 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 services commonly available at pet boarding facilities:

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:

Choosing The Right Kennel For Your Dog While You Are Away

Pet parents often experience anxiety about leaving their dog while on vacation. Finding the right dog care for your vacation will ultimately come down to personal preference, price and availability in your neighborhood. With a little research into the services available in your area, you will be able to find just the right level of care for your fur baby, at a price you can afford.

Medical & Standard Boarding Your Dog or Cat at Hillcrest Animal Hospital

At Hillcrest 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 Bartlett dog boarding facility provides:

• Climate-controlled kennels
• Comfy, cozy beds for each guest
• Clean towels, blankets and bowls
• 72 indoor / outdoor runs
• 6 different wards (12 guests to a room)
• Individual space for each pet
• Separate boarding area for cats
• 8 VIP guest runs
• 2 bathing areas
• Daily walks
• Abundant daily playtime with staff
• Special diet accommodations
• Vets on call 24/7

Learn More About Boarding at Hillcrest Animal Hospital

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.