We may develop so much intimacy with our canine friends that we wish we could take them with us everywhere we go, but, it is inevitable to leave them behind occasionally. Perhaps you're flying overseas or going for an official meeting. Maybe you're traveling to enjoy your vacation on a cruise. Sometimes, you can't just go with your dog.
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If you're in a situation in which you just have to leave your dog for some days with someone else, you may be looking for the best tips to ease you and your canine anxiety while leaving your dog with someone else, then you're at the right place to learn the top 7 tips for leaving your dog in someone else's care.
Who can you leave your dog with?
You may decide to leave your dog with a family member or a trusted friend that can take good care of the dog. But what if neither a friend nor a family is available? What do you do?
Don't worry, there are other options.
Alright, you can keep your dog with certain professionals that are skilled in taking care of animals. Although you may have to pay some amounts, the safety of your dog is worthwhile.
Three options are available: a pet sitter, a dog walker, and kennel workers. But, which choice is the best, let's find out.
Pet sitter vs. dog walker vs. kennel workers
These three professionals are skilled in taking care of dogs. However, you may prefer to choose the one that best suits the nature of your dog.
Pet sitter
A pet sitter is a person skilled in taking care of other people's dogs in either their homes or his/her own home. You may decide to keep your dog with a pet sitter if your dog prefers to stay indoors. A pet sitter can also provide specialized care to sick or older dogs.
However, ensure you do your research well before choosing a pet sitter. You don't want to choose someone who pet-sits just as a hobby but someone who does that as a career. You should also ensure that the pet sitter has adequate training, insurance, positive reviews, and references.
Dog walker
The second option is hiring a dog walker to check in your canine about 2-3 times a day to take your dog for a walk and feed them. This option may be advantageous if you already have a dog walker because your dog is comfortable and familiar with the person.
However, choosing this option means that your dog will be alone for more than 20 hours per day when the dog walker is not around. Nevertheless, If your dog is a breed that prefers to be isolated, a dog walker can be an ideal option.
Kennel workers
The third option, which is the most popular is leaving your dog at a kennel to be taken care of by kennel workers. Kennel boarding is the most secure option for your dog because the workers are professionals that are trained in CPR. Also, kennels adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations, which are enforced by state officials. You are also allowed to ask questions and tour the facilities to learn more about the staff and the kennel itself.
However, if your dog becomes fearful when placed with other dogs, kennel boarding may not be comfortable for them. Also, a dog that has aggression issues may not be fit for kennel boarding.
7 tips for leaving your dog in someone else's care
I'm sure by now you've known the best caregiver to leave your dog with. Now, here are 7 things to do before leaving your dog in someone else's care.
Leave detailed care instructions
Daily care is important for your dog to stay healthy, and the better your dog keeper can stick to your dog's care routine, the lesser your dog will miss your presence.
So, when leaving your dog with someone else, write detailed instructions about how much food your dog takes at each meal, as well as the appropriate times of the day to feed your dog in a note.
Also, remember to state to the caretaker if your dog requires any medical attention–perhaps your dog is on prescribed medication.
If your dog is to be watched by a pet sitter in your home, invite the pet sitter before leaving them with your dog to walk them through your dog's daily routine and show them where you keep all the items required to take care of your canine.
Update your canine ID tags
You should ensure the ID tags on your dog contain up-to-date information. This is important especially if you're keeping your dog in a kennel with other dogs.
Your dog may somehow escape the kennel or be accidentally swapped for another similar dog. But, an updated tag with your cell phone number on it will help anyone who finds your dog straying on the street to return them to your home or the kennel.
You may also include the information of your dog's caregiver on the tags. If possible, you can take your dog for microchip implantation for proper monitoring.
Update their vaccinations
Ensure you take your dog to your veterinarian for appropriate vaccinations at least two weeks before leaving them with a caregiver. This allows your dog to build appropriate antibodies that strengthen their immune system, increasing their disease resistance. Vaccinating your canine lessens your anxiety about your dog falling sick in your absence.
Schedule a trial run
Perhaps this is the first time you're separating from your dog, you may schedule a trial caregiving by someone else to see if things go well.
If you intend to leave your dog with a pet sitter or in a kennel, you may schedule the dog for a day with a pet sitter or kennel worker so that your dog can learn the new routine.
Tell the caregiver much details about your dog
You don't want your caregiver to interrupt your canine natural lifestyle, so, you should give details about things your dog likes to do the most.
Does your dog drink lots of water? Do they like to chase vehicles on the road? Are they comfortable near other animals? Do they have aggression issues? Do they like to stay indoors or prefer to play outdoors? And do they have any health issues?
All those quirks need to be well explained to your dog caregiver before you embark on your vacation. Otherwise, your dog will seriously feel your absence.
Prepare emergency information
Ensure your dog's caregiver has access to their emergency information. You may make printouts of your dog's veterinary records about their pre-existing health conditions and vaccination. Present the printouts to the person who will be watching your dog and ensure they understand what to do in case of an emergency related to your dog's health.
Keep the goodbye short and sweet
Sometimes saying goodbye to our loved ones, including our pets can be painful.
So, when it's time for you to leave your canine companion, make it short and sweet. The longer your cuddle them before leaving, the more anxious they will become when you eventually walk out of the door. Just keep it normal as though you were going for your usual daily work.
Conclusion
Leaving your door with someone else while going on a business trip may cause you to become anxious about the safety and comfort of your canine friend. However, that anxiety can be lessened if you do some appropriate things before leaving your dog.
Ensure you update the vaccination of your dog before your vacation and make sure you explain every detail about your dog's care routine to their caregiver.