The Best Doggy Care Options when you Travel

That’s the thing about dogs, they become part of your family and you love those furry buddies so much you just want them to feel safe and loved all the time, even when you aren’t there. You wish you could be with them all of the time, but the reality is, that's not always possible. So, what do you do with them when you need to travel without them?

Friends and Family

One of the easiest and most ideal scenario is to have a friend or family member take them into their home and care for them while you’re gone. This is especially good if your sitter is familiar with your pup. Put a call out to close friends and family and see if anyone can do it.

Neighborhood Pet Swap

Do you have neighbours that also have pets? Perhaps you can make an arrangement to work together to help each other out with your pets. You just never know until you reach out. You might even be able to start a Facebook group for the area and help each other out – that way you all know your pets are being taken care of and are with people you can trust.

Hire a House Sitter/Pup Sitter

House sitters usually live full time in your house so your doggy should get the constant supervision and attention that they’re used to. A well known place to find house and pet sitters is through www.trustedhousesitters.com

www.Rover.com has also become an extremely valuable resource to find house-sitting options in your area.

The nice thing about this option is that your dog is in their familiar setting with all of their toys, food, bed, crate, etc. There’s also more of a chance that they’ll be able to have their normal routine which will help any anxiety. The people looking after your pets can also watch the house for you which is advantageous when you’re going away for long stretches of time. Another perk is you can just leave the keys and go.

Dog Sitters

Many pet sitters will also take care of your animal in their own home. A pet sitter usually has a few pets staying with them already, which can provide companionship for your pet. This can be a positive or negative thing depending on your requirements. Professional sitters are generally very dependable but it’s always important to check references carefully. You might be able to find a dog sitter who is insured, bonded and have Dog First Aid certification.

Again, www.Rover.com has some top-notch dog-sitters to choose from.

Kennel, Boarding facility or Dog Hotel

A professional service should be knowledgeable about animals and how to take care of them. These services have the facilities and staff already equipped to take good care of your pet. There are plenty of reputable pet hotels and boarding kennels around. Make sure you check references and even consider leaving your pet for a short trial run.

Finally…

Make sure you can trust whoever is taking care of your pet. Always ask for referrals, whether it’s a business or a professional sitter you don’t know. If your pet is staying outside of your home, ask for a tour around the place to get an idea cleanliness and how they care for pets there. Bring familiar toys to make their stay more enjoyable.

Also make sure they have your emergency contact information, any special needs your pet may have and, if possible, a local contact they can deal with in case you’re unavailable.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the situation. There are plenty of options out there and it’s important to take enough time to make sure you find a safe, secure and loving situation for your pet.

Your dog will miss you, just as you will absolutely miss your dog. Just remember: if you’re comfortable, your dog will be more comfortable. And you’ll be able to enjoy your time away as much as your time reuniting with your best furry friend.

Best Pup Travelling Tips

You can take your furry friends along with you on most travel adventures — and it’s not as difficult as you might think. With research and a little extra planning to ensure your dog is comfortable, you’ll have a trip filled with fun memories together.

Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.

Keep Your Routine as Much as Possible

Try to stick to your dog’s regular home schedule to help decrease stress. This includes feeding, walking and exercise routings.

For example, if you take them out to potty every 2-3 hours at home, try to do the same when staying at a hotel or friend’s house. If you normally feed your dog at 6 am and 6 pm, try to stick to these times when you travel.

Tip: Before you leave home, teach your dog to go potty on multiple surfaces, not just grass!

Stick to the same Food

It can be difficult for dogs to suddenly switch to something new so pack a few days supply of your dog’s food, even if you’re sure you’ll be able to purchase more at your destination. If it’s unavailable, make sure to bring a supply for the duration of the trip.

Always Have Water

At home, most people leave a water dish out for their dogs. This means a dog can drink whenever they are thirsty.

Dogs can quickly become dehydrated when they’re hot or stressed, so make sure to always have a water bottle with you, or stop at water fountains along the way, and give your dog regular opportunities to drink.

A collapsible dog dish is a convenient way to keep your pup hydrated.

Bring Old and New Toys

Your dog will feel more comfortable away from home if you bring a few familiar things for them. If they have a favorite blankie, bone or toy, make sure to bring those.

To beat any boredom, provide him with a few new toys. You might want to include a puzzle-type toy to keep him occupied, or a Kong with treats inside.

Bring their Bed or Crate

A crate or carrier will make it easier once you get to your final destination and if you take overnight or longer stops during the journey as it can double as a sleeping place. This can create a “safe cave” for your dog to hide out in if necessary.

If they’re not used to a crate, make sure to bring a bed or blanket that they’re used to so they’ll know where they’re allowed to rest and have down time.

Provide Plenty of Walks and Leg-stretches

When planning your itinerary, schedule regular time slots for exercising your dog. A tired dog is a happy dog (and happy owner). Dog parks are a great place to exercise and socialize. Or head out for a walk around the neighborhood.

Research dog-friendly places ahead of the trip:

Before traveling with your dog, become familiar with dog friendly hotels, restaurants, stores, attractions and accommodation at your final destination and stops on the way.

Many hotels charge additional fees to accommodate your pet. These can range from $10-$250 for one time fees or daily charges and that can really add up. On the bright, there are some hotel chains that have free dog policies and welcome pets without asking for additional fees or deposits.

Tip: A great place to find pet-friendly places to stay is www.bringfido.com or www.airbnb.com

Essentials packing list:

Here’s a checklist of items you’ll definitely need to bring along.

• Leash and poop bags

• Collar with current ID

• food and water

• Collapsible dishes

• Toys

• A bed or crate

• First Aid Kit (Dog first aid kits can be purchased at local pet stores or if you have time you can prepare one yourself.)

• Medical records and travel documents (if traveling out of country)

Let the Fun begin

The joy of travelling with your pup is truly invaluable. Besides creating a stronger bond together, you’ll end up meeting more people, seeing more places, and living in the present. What better reasons could there possibly be to plan for your next adventure with your best friend?

The Ultimate Puppy Socialization Exposure Checklist

The goal of socialization is to get your pup accustomed to and comfortable with the world around him. It takes time and planning to manage your puppy’s social life but it’s very important since it can have a positive/negative influence on any of their interactions for the rest of their lives. A well-socialized dog is a happy dog.

You want to teach your dog that the world is a happy and safe place for them. Take your puppy into situations where you can control the environment to a reasonable degree. Small social gatherings, controlled groups of children, and well-run force-free puppy classes are. The more relaxed your puppy is, the better.

Here’s the ultimate checklist of puppy socialization ideas:

People:

• Infants and toddlers

• Older kids and teenagers

• Adults and elderly ones

• Men and women

• People of different ethnicities and races

• People with sunglasses, hats, hoods, backpacks and umbrellas

• People in uniforms like police and medical workers

• People with canes, crutches or in wheelchairs

• People of different sizes (big, small, short and tall)

People doing activities:

• Running

• Throwing and playing with balls

• Standing on a ladder

• Using tools and power tools included

• Vacuuming

• Carrying bags and boxes

• Swimming

Other animals:

• Other dogs of different sizes and ages

• Cats

• Horses

• Chickens

• Squirrels

• Birds

• Any other animals your dog might come in contact with

Moving Things:

• Bicycles

• Skateboards/scooters

• Kites

• Motorcycles

• Cars

• Trucks

Places

• Your vehicle

• The veterinarian’s office

• Parks

• Beaches

• Shopping areas

• Other people’s houses

• The groomer's

• Sidewalks with cars passing by

Noises

• Doorbells

• Vacuums

• Babies crying and kids playing

• Wind, thunder and heavy rain

• Fireworks

• Trucking backing up

• Blow dryers

Handling

• Touching for vet visits (ears, feet, mouth, etc.)

• Grooming

• Taking things from them (their toys, blanket, etc.)

• Handling their food

• Water splashing on them and being bathed

Remember that this is a process. Don’t expose your puppy to everything at once so you don’t overwhelm them. Have treats, praise and lots of love ready to make it a joyful experience.

Another MUST READ: The Best Chew Toys for Puppies in 2021