Dog Boarding?

[Rosy1013]

My husband and I are planning a trip across the country for work-related reasons. For the first time since we got him, we wouldn't be able to take Max. I've researched the boarders in my area, and I feel like I have a good one picked out. They would keep him safe and give him everything he needs. I just am afraid we will come back in a week and he will be traumatized, thinking that we left him for good. I don't feel comfortable leaving him with family because no one has owned such a small dog. He only comes when we call him, so that presents a danger in itself. I'm considering not going on the trip because I know I will be worried sick the whole time. Does anyone have any advice? Will he just be terrified the whole time if we leave him? Thanks.

[pstinard]

We were worried about our Bella the first time we had her boarded, but she did fine. We had her boarded at the vet's so she could get health care if she needed it (she didn't need it). We paid a little extra for a larger room, and also paid extra for a vet tech to play with her once a day. And I called them to make sure she was doing okay.

[Shicks]

Yeah, I'm the same way. The only place we go to is my daughters in Florida. We take ours with us. I'm so crazy overprotective I can't stand being without my baby. He's such a Mommy's boy anyway.
Sorry I have no advice. I'm sure more will chime in with their experiences.

[barneysmommmy]

Uggg. I feel for you. We have left ours a few times over night. When we do, we hire my niece to come 3 times a day. She checks on them in the morning. Comes again around 3ish and stays an hour or so. Comes back at bedtime.

This is ideal. But even with this situation, they pretty much don't eat until we get back home. I'm not sure how my 3 would be at a kennel.

[Daisy Dukes]

Ive put Daisy in a Doggy Hotel then doggie daycamp before at petsmart (her vet is Banfield)I was soo worried! But she did GREAT. They kept her with all the little other dogs, she made a new friend. I was worried because she did not get along with other dogs at first. I called so many times i think they knew my number eventually lol!!

[Wylie's Mom]

I'm sure your kiddo will do okay. But if you're especially unsure...why not try something instead like Sleep Over Rover...where it can be in someone's home...? Would that feel better for you?

[Rosy1013]

I've never heard of Sleep Over Rover, so I will check to see if there is anything like that available in my area. I also like the idea of boarding with the vet. Max also has an issue with eating/drinking while we aren't home, so having the vet there would make me feel better.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Rosy1013

I've never heard of Sleep Over Rover, so I will check to see if there is anything like that available in my area. I also like the idea of boarding with the vet. Max also has an issue with eating/drinking while we aren't home, so having the vet there would make me feel better.

Wherever you decide to board, be sure to leave a blanket or piece of clothing with your and your dog's scent on them, as well as a supply of the food that you normally feed your dog. Our Bella's situation is a little complex since she just had a dental and they removed four of her teeth. We now moisten her kibble with no salt chicken broth, so the next time we have her boarded, we will probably leave her with a supply of the canned version of her kibble (Wellness Core small breed grain free). Hopefully it won't spoil her.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Rosy1013

I've never heard of Sleep Over Rover, so I will check to see if there is anything like that available in my area. I also like the idea of boarding with the vet. Max also has an issue with eating/drinking while we aren't home, so having the vet there would make me feel better.

A good friend of mine just used them here in Phoenix and she just loved it! Her dog did awesome and was basically just part of the fam while he "boarded" at the Sleep Over house.

[Susan78]

We never board our baby out we take her with. Had a bad experience boarding a dog out many years ago so we take our yorkie and parrot with us. I am sure there are good places to board but I am too bonded to my fur and feather kid.Susan

[Rosy1013]

Originally Posted by Susan78

We never board our baby out we take her with. Had a bad experience boarding a dog out many years ago so we take our yorkie and parrot with us. I am sure there are good places to board but I am too bonded to my fur and feather kid.Susan

Is there anything I should look out for in a boarder to avoid a bad experience like yours? I'm touring places today to find one. We would love to take Max, but we are going across the country and doing it by plane. I did end up cutting my part of the trip a few days short so that it will be a few less days for him to be boarded.

[magicgenie]

Originally Posted by Rosy1013

My husband and I are planning a trip across the country for work-related reasons. For the first time since we got him, we wouldn't be able to take Max. I've researched the boarders in my area, and I feel like I have a good one picked out. They would keep him safe and give him everything he needs. I just am afraid we will come back in a week and he will be traumatized, thinking that we left him for good. I don't feel comfortable leaving him with family because no one has owned such a small dog. He only comes when we call him, so that presents a danger in itself. I'm considering not going on the trip because I know I will be worried sick the whole time. Does anyone have any advice? Will he just be terrified the whole time if we leave him? Thanks.

Try leaving him there for an overnight trial visit. Yours is a problem I have struggled with in the past. A good kennel will be sensitive to his needs as an only child in a quiet home.

[canana]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I'm sure your kiddo will do okay. But if you're especially unsure...why not try something instead like Sleep Over Rover...where it can be in someone's home...? Would that feel better for you?

This seems to be quite popular in my area too! They'll babysit your dog for the duration you need and you can work with them on what you need - it seems more personal (i.e. some will face time you or some will send you daily pictures etc).

I can't vouche for these services because I've never used them, but I've looked into them as an option:

https://dogvacay.com/
https://www.rover.com/

[Rosy1013]

Thanks for the links!

[Susan78]

Originally Posted by Rosy1013

Is there anything I should look out for in a boarder to avoid a bad experience like yours? I'm touring places today to find one. We would love to take Max, but we are going across the country and doing it by plane. I did end up cutting my part of the trip a few days short so that it will be a few less days for him to be boarded.

Well we checked out the place and thought it was great but found out differently. I would definitely talk to other people that went to a kennel you are looking at. Ask lots of questions. The yorkie we had years ago was so tramtized from the place and it affected her the rest of her life. Some people said it was wonderful and later I found out she hated the yorkie breed. Anyways talk to others as I said and I am sure it will work out. Bring his blankets and toys. Don't forget his treats. Good luck wish you the best with Max! Susan