What are The Alternatives to Boarding Kennels?

by Caroline · Published March 12, 2020 · Updated March 12, 2020

Dog sitting/Dog sharing “borrow my doggie”, alternatives to Boarding kennels

Contents

Life happens and the dog owners can find themselves busy or having extended work trips away. During the summer one can also go traveling abroad.

Mostly, we plan with our pets in mind, especially when traveling with them. Unquestionably, we have to prepare documentation, vaccinations, trackers, microchip and their daily supplies.

Boarding Kennel, a Home Away from Home

We do not love leaving our dog at home alone when going away. Regardless, a situation can occur making it impossible to carry our pet along.

You can have an alternative arrangement for your dog so as to make it easy to arrange walks, playtime, overnight stays or holidays.

Furthermore, it’s tough to leave your dog behind when going away for vacation. There are some important things to consider before you go.

Firstly, you want to leave your dog in a comfortable and safe place either with a dog sitter or in a boarding kennel.

The most common options when going away are pet sitters and boarding kennels.

A dog owner may be worried about the unfamiliar environment and crowdedness in a boarding kennel and opt for a pet sitter.

Dog/Pet Sitter

Dog sitting is looking after a dog or dogs while their owner is away, usually staying at the owner’s home or dropping in a few times in the week. This is a real advantage for anxious dogs or dogs who otherwise thrive on a familiar routine.

In addition, a dog sitter is a good idea if you worry about your dog traveling to a kennel or being in unfamiliar surroundings while you’re gone.

Advantages of Dog Sitter

Minimal Chances of Getting Sick

Leaving your dog with a sitter will greatly reduce any risk of illness? For instance, Bordetella, a disease that your dog is likely to get due to exposure to other dogs who may be infected. In a boarding kennel your dog will interact with other dogs from all over, the lost, and the rescued and from other homes. Some of the dogs may be suffering from diseases or parasites.

Undivided Attention

Importantly, a pet sitter will give your dog undivided attention and follow the used activity schedule unlike in a boarding kennel. Your dog can experience separation anxiety being away from you. Nevertheless, a boarding kennel may make it worse as he is among other dogs making him more stressed.

Familiar Surroundings

Being able to still stay at home while you are away makes it easy for your dog as there is minimal interference with her environment. The anxiety your pet may feel can be aggravated by a change in environment and schedule. Having a dog sitter who follows your dog schedule from feeding, playing, resting, etc. may reduce your dog stress level as change is minimal

What is Kennel?

A kennel is a structure or shelter for dogs or cats. This is a place where dogs or cats are housed temporarily for a fee, an alternative to using a pet sitter.

Take into account your dog/pet’s interests before settling on a sitter or boarding facility.

Even when away at the end of the day, you want your pet to remain happy and healthy despite living temporarily in a boarding kennel.

Subsequently, analyze the immediate environment and determine whether it is suitable for your dog or not.

How to prepare your Dog for a Boarding Kennel

Just the way you plan for your vacation a lot of preparation is required to ensure your dog kennel experience is comfortable.

Ask for boarding kennel recommendations from friends and vet.
Prepare and plan for the kennel stay.
Pack familiar toys, blanket, and crate if the boarding kennel allows.
Ask questions and consider the food schedules and diet.
Visit kennels to check the living condition if your dog will be comfortable.
Be familiar with the activities option to see if they will fit your dog exercise needs.
Interact with other dogs to gauge if your dog will be safe there.
Plan for emergencies and injury while at the Kennel.

Advantages of a Boarding Kennel

Trained Caregivers

Stewards, trainers, and caregivers are extensively trained in safety and health, and many are First Aid and CPR certified.

As a dog owner, you are able to enjoy your time away from home content that your pet is receiving the best care possible.

Your dog getting plenty of potty breaks, attention, and social time needed to keep him happy and stimulated making you at ease away.

High Standard Structures

Professional boarding kennels go beyond industry standards in kennel hygiene and ventilation specifications and have many systems in place to minimize accidents.

Some dogs that suffer from separation anxiety are better off in a boarding kennel because if left at home could be destructive. The boarding kennels are better off as they provide 24-hour attention to the dog.

Many kennels offer one-on-one “playtimes” in order to get the animal out of the kennel environment

One-Stop-Shop

Most kennels allow you to bring a blanket, crate, and toys that your dog likes to make his stay comfortable. You do not want to cause him unnecessary stress due to environmental changes which can affect his moods. Ask for a recommendation from veterinarians and friends for good boarding kennels.

Most boarding kennels provide a variety of pet services, such as boarding, grooming, training classes, pet supply sales, and pet shipping.

Dog Sharing

Dog sharing is sharing a dog. It is another option for a dog sitter or boarding kennel.

Along with this, with dog sharing the dog can have two owners who can agree to share cost on the dog supplies. For example, one owner can buy the food while the other takes care of the medical care cost?

Before entering into a dog sharing arrangement, it’s important to agree who is the legal owner of the animal.

First, be honest with yourself when considering a dog sharing arrangement as it might fit in your busy schedule but not in your dogs’.

One of the challenges with this arrangement is it can lead to stress. Remember dogs love familiar places and being moved from one place to another can affect them negatively. Moreover, it can lead to separation anxiety.

Despite this not all dogs are affected by movement changes, it depends on the dog. Different dogs behave differently due to their temperament.

Advantages of Dog Sharing

Two Homes.

The dog has two homes. When one owner is busy the other owner steps up. The dog is able to continue with her activities normally without disruption. With our ever-changing busy work schedules, you can collaborate with another dog lover and share your dog to fit into your lifestyle.

Furthermore, you get relief from the endless to-do list in your day to day chores.

Compared to changing sitters and having your dog with multiple unfamiliar dogs in a boarding kennel here you give a familiar temporary home while away or busy.

Gets Personalized Attention

The dog is able to get personalized attention from both dog owners at their time. Many dogs are creatures of routine and habit. Without a doubt, with dog sharing life continues as usual with their routine, playtime and feeding needs.

Not only is this arrangement beneficial to the primary dog owner but also to the second owner who gets the joy of spending time with a dog.

Cost Sharing Expenses

You can work out an arrangement that is good for you both as the owner even though it is good to have a written agreement on who is the legal owner. This will give you an upper hand when crucial decisions need to be made in relation to the dog.

The dog may need veterinary visits, food, treats, toys, bedding, training, crates, grooming, tracker, microchipping, etc. Obviously, sharing costs in any economy is a good idea for most dog owners.