Flickr/dhfloyd
Anna's coworker referred us to Club Barks in West Paterson, New Jersey, and fortunately they were quick and responsive in verifying Pippi's vaccine schedule. (They also gave us a freebie day of doggie daycare to assess her before full boarding began.) It's not a luxury canine "spa," but the dogs get to run around outside and socialize during the day. At pick-up, they said they enjoyed boarding our "adorable" Dalmatian (German Short-Haired Pointer? Mix?), and when they brought her out, Pippi seemed to be a happy camper.
Other folks we've talked to choose other methods of caring for their canines while they're gone. "We prefer our dogsitters if one is available," Anna's sister Alicia tells me. "It doesn't cost much more [than a kennel] to have someone stay at the house." Benefits for the dogs include eating their own food, sleeping in their own beds, and having their regular backyard playtime and walks. Benefits for the owners include avoiding the hassle of pick ups and drop offs and having someone trustworthy to watch the house.
The future husband of my sister-in-law Emily, Dave, opts for an even lower-cost option: Having a friend stop by in the mornings and evenings. "One word, free!" he says. "Duke and Dash are already used to no one being there during the day since I'm gone all day for work." He adds that he's not a big fan of kenneling because it involves taking the dogs out of their normal environments, which can cause anxiety. "When they're home at my house, they can roam free in and out of the house and do as they please."
We might have to try that ourselves, assuming we make some friends in our new town. How about you? What method do you prefer?
| A kennel | |
|---|---|
| A dogsitter | |
| Friends |
Related Videos
More Cute Stuff
- Lion Love (Daily Squee)
- This Cat Means Business (I Can Has Cheezburger)
- Zebra Tan! (I Has a Hotdog)
- Cat Guys or Dog Guys? (Petside)
- Reducing your Carbon Paw-Print (Discovery)
Sponsored Links
Add your comments
Advertisement
Time-Lapse Tortoise Noms Salad
Last time I tried to drop my dog off at a kennel before leaving on vacation, he totally 'freaked out' and tried to jump out a window. The kennel said they couldn't keep him after that... so he either comes with us or a dogsitter... usually now he just comes with us as we have learned to talk 'dog friendly' vacations.
Have just quit a kennel after working there for a couple of years, I suggest a pet-sitter after you have checked several references. You wouldn't believe what goes on in a kennel!
My neighbor is the best. Treats my dog like it was hers.
cool
My Maltese goes with in a special dog seat :)
cool
Yeah, it's one of those console seats that go over the center console of your car. :)
I found a different option ComeOverRover.com it is a community where everyone takes care of each other pets. I heard about it at my local dog park. My friends and family were unreliable (hate to say it!) and the kennels were expensive so this was a great option.