What About The Dog?
Travels plans are being made leaving many households with the big question: what about the dog?
Good news is that there are several great options to find care for your dog when you are away. Here are some of our suggestions:
Dog Boarding Kennels
Dog Boarding Kennels are a great option, if you are able to plan for your dog’s care away from home in advance. The popular ones get booked up quick, so make your reservation as soon as you know the dates. Our advice is to visit the kennel ahead of time, and receive a tour to see where your pup will be staying. Enquire about the drop off/pick up schedules and vaccination requirements. A big benefit is that your dog will be in a safe licensed facility and cared by trained professionals. A few things to consider are that you are at the mercy of their time schedules and long stays can be expensive. Also, if your dog is more of an introvert, it may be very stressful for them to be around many dogs. For this reason, it is a good idea to do a one-night dry run, before you subject your dog to a longer stay.
Family & Friends
Likely the most comforting option is having your beloved pup stay with family or friends. If you are lucky enough to have someone on deck to watch your dog – amazing - however it may be up to you to do the big ask. Don’t assume that simply because your friend is a dog lover, or they “couldn’t wait to dog sit” when you got your new puppy, that they will be up to task when the time comes. Please be courteous and ask well in advance. Even if it’s your mom or bestie, be sure to be respectful of their time and give them fair warning. Although they don’t have a set daily fee, create your own family & friends’ rate, and consider some form of compensation for their generous assistance.
Rover.com
One of our recent favourites is Rover.com. This website (and app) allows you to search local dog sitters and walkers. It can be an excellent option for those who need care on short notice or do not think their pup will do well in a kennel setting. There are several options on the site to filter your choices such as dates, location, fenced yards, other dogs in the home, dog size and many more. Also, if your pup needs a mid-day break, this is the place to find a local dog walker. We have had wonderful experiences with the dog sitters we have found on the site. We recommend reading the reviews and contacting the sitter to meet and make sure it is a good fit.
We are here to help you get your dog ready for day care or overnight boarding, with our custom North40Paws Dog-on-the-Go Travel Bag. You can pack your dog’s food, toys, blankets, treats and medications in one extremely efficient, durable and stylish bag. For a short time, the bags will come stocked with 2 large travel bowls, a frisbee and a towel. You won’t find these bags anywhere else! There might be look-a-likes out there, but none are made with the same high-quality and eco-friendly materials. As an added bonus, you can feel amazing about your purchase as a portion of the proceeds from each bag sale will go to help support the Humane Society London & Middlesex to help support their New Home New Hope Campaign.