Vacation: Board or hire a pet sitter?

3442 Views 36 Replies 23 Participants Last post by Bonn1997, Aug 28, 2009

Bonn1997

Discussion Starter · Jul 13, 2009

I have an upcoming vacation that will be almost two weeks and have travel plans. What would be a better option: Boarding them at a place where they'd stay in partially enclosed outdoor rooms that are about 10 x 15 or hiring a pet sitter who would come to my house 3 x a day? The boarding place has a few employees who all love animals and has a good reputation. The dogs would get more human interaction there and would get a chance periodically to roam around on their 5 acre property. However, they're both rescue dogs and I'm worried that they're going to think I abandoned them (or they'll at least be confused about where their home is). For a little more money, they could stay in my house and the pet sitting company would come 3 times a day: Once for 30 minutes (which includes a walk) and twice for 15 minutes. This doesn't sound like a lot of human interaction and usually I let them out to go to the bathroom much more than 3 times a day. They've never had accidents in the house though, including overnight or when I'm away for close to 8 hours.

I probably sound neurotic for bringing this up but do you guys feel guilty when you go away? I was invited to go on this cruise a year ago--before I had either dog. I'm really, really excited about the cruise but part of me feels like I'm putting the dogs through a confusing, scary period just so I can have fun.

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LilMissSunshine

· #2 · Jul 13, 2009

I would board if it was me, the place sounds great and the dogs might be confused at first, but they will understand when you pick them up

and then, if you decide to go on vacation again, they will GET IT. that the doggy boarding place is just somewhere temporary and you will pick them up soon

Pet sitters are great to, if its a company with a good reputation and insurance. but careful with hiring just anyone, remember your giving someone the keys to your home, accidents happen (leaving doors open, dogs getting out etc..) so you want to be sure its a company your trust

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LilMissSunshine

· #6 · Jul 13, 2009

Bonn1997 said:
Thanks, Sunshine and Hulk. 13 days seems like such a long time. Do you think if I boarded them for 1 or 2 days as a "practice" before the vacation, then the 13 day vacation would be a lot less stressful for them? Maybe they'd already understand that this is a temporary place? (That may be a neurotic idea that most owners wouldn't even think of but I do care a lot about how happy they are.)

If that's a possibility, it sounds like a great idea

drop them off, and pick them up with lots of rewards, treats and fun! it might make the 13 day leave be less stressful, since they have been there before and now know you will eventually pick them up

lol I don't think its neurotic, its totally something I would do. especially since it will be 13 days

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