I need some feedback! As you know i have new furbaby Bandit at home and right now my two sons are home from school for summer vacation and they have been helping with the pup. My problem is this. They are going to thier grandparents house up north for a couple of weeks and we are going on our cruise for one week during that time also. The first week they are gone, we will be in town but my husband and I both work fulltime and neither of us are close enough to home to go and check on and let pup out mid day. I have a friend that will be staying with the dogs while we are gone on our cruise, although she also works and will be gone during the day and home for them in the evening. Bandit will be 16 weeks old at that time. Will he be okay in his kennel from about 7:30AM untill about 4:00 or 5:00 that evening?? Or do i need to try and hire someone else to come let out mid day???? I don't really want to take him to out sourced kennel because he is so young.Any advice would be helpful
Thanks!
Kim
Oh yikes, I would be concerned too. First of all, I wouldn't board him outside the home, only as a last resort. The first idea that comes to mind is this -- is there a responsible high school kid in your area who would be delighted to babysit Bandit, in your home, for a couple of weeks? Just during the day. Seems like that would be fun for Bandit and the kid. Of course you'd pay the kid.
Plan B - does your vet take in boarders? Bandit would be okay for one week in a resposible, reputable place, I'm sure.
I board Willy and Alex when we go on a trip. Although I always hate leaving them, they are perfectly fine being boarded, they get to be with each other. I always return to find them happy and spoiled rotten. I hope this helps.
I agree with Patty. Thats a long time for a pup to be crated but if you can avoid taking him outside of the house it would be best. My vet does day boarding and I would definately recommend that. The other option is to ask the vet about a good doggy day care center in your area. We have a few around here although I've never used them. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Can't wait to see some pics of your furkids!
I would hire a doggie sitter/walker to come in mid-day and take them out to do their business and a walk if possible. Plus treats and lovies until you get home ! I do that when I am out of town - it costs me $16 a day - for 45 minute visit - and a report card for each visit ! Pricey - but gives me peace of mind to know they are getting out for some excercise and companionship.
I was lucky because this week while I am gone - my sister in law and neice and nephew have gone over and watched a movie or swam and walked and played with the kids !!!! I will pay the kids - but I am sure they were there for much longer than the 45 minutes the walker would have visited. Plus I got pictures and a video by e-mail !!!!!!
I was thinking about the idea of a high school studets also. Even someone n junior high who lives close by cna usually be responsible enough to take the dogs out and walk them and their parents are thrilled to give the kids a chance to have some responsibility and will make sure they follow through. My second thought was the Doggy Day care. We have a new PetSmart here that has a doggy Day Camp inside and a couple of other places. Good Luck!
Check with your vet, sometimes they have vet techs, that will doggy sit in their own home.
We are lucky to have a couple of high-end boarding kennels in our area. The one we use is run by wire-haired dachsund breeders, and are qualified as master wildlife rehabiltators to boot. Kennel floors are heated in winter, everyone is taken outside at least 3 times a day, with separate playgrounds for the big and little kids. One-on-one play time is also offered. It costs a little more than regular boarding, but it is worth it to us to know that Ozzy is being well cared for, especially by people who are partial to dachsunds. And, it says a lot for this particular kennel when I pull up in the parking lot, Ozzy is scrambling to get out of the car and go see his friends. The last time we boarded him, he practically licked one of the owners to death!
I'd do a little research and check out any boarding kennel you would think of using. If they are reputable, they will allow you to come for a visit before you decide to board your furkid.