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Where To Leave Your Dog While On Vacation or Away From Home

Your dog is your best friend but there are bound to be times when you will need to be away from home, so who will care for your dog while you're away? Here, our Harlingen vets share tips on what to do with your dog when you travel.

Leaving Your Dog For Multiple Days

The question of where to leave your dog while on vacation or away from home can be a difficult one to answer. Whether you are heading out on vacation for a couple of weeks, or off on a business trip for a couple of days, you will need to find appropriate care for your canine companion. At Altas Palmas Animal Clinic our vets understand that deciding which kind of care is best for you and your pet can be challenging, but doing a little research into the options available near you, and what features each service offers, can help to make your decision easier.

Boarding For Dogs While You Are On Vacation or Travelling

While it's true that pet boarding facilities were once grim, dingy places where animals stayed locked in their cages for long periods of time, times have changed!

These days your dog can be pampered and have fun socializing and playing while you're away. Kennels are kept clean and fresh-smelling, and dogs are treated to plenty of love and attention.

Today's animal boarding facilities range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for dogs that require extra love and attention, with price points that range from extravagant to affordable.

If you are in the process of deciding which boarding facility to take your dog to, be sure to check out a few different places in your area to find a facility that best suits the needs of your pet, and your wallet.

Features At Various Dog Boarding Facilities

Price is typically a good indicator of the level of service provided at a given dog boarding facility. If your pooch will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and tv to watch, you're going to pay more than you would to board your pet at a standard facility with roomy crates and fenced dog runs. 

If you want your pup to enjoy an active adventure while you're traveling, a fun camp experience may be ideal. Dog camps across the country offer loads of time for your dog to explore outdoors, as well as added facilities in some cases for swimming and playing with other dogs.

While you are narrowing down your list of preferred kennels it's important to keep in mind that extravagant facility features don't necessarily add up to better care for your pet.

Pick The Level of Service That's Right for Your Dog & Your Wallet

Pet care while for while you're on vacation will typically be priced based on the level of service you choose. Luxury accommodations will be far more expensive per day than a standard kennel.

Standard care for dogs at most pet boarding facilities includes:
  • A clean, roomy kennel for your pup to sleep in
  • Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs
  • Breakfast served in the kennel
  • Out of kennel playtime in the middle of the day to allow your pooch to burn some energy
  • Dinner served in the kennel
  • Evening bathroom break
Other services commonly available at pet boarding facilities:
If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:
  • Specialized veterinary care
  • Training
  • Grooming
  • Shuttle services to and from the facility

Consider Hiring a Dog Sitter

When interviewing for a dog sitter be sure to request a list of references as well as a list of qualifications. How much you will pay for a pet sitter will depend upon the level of service you choose for your pet.

Dog sitters can help to protect your home by keeping your place looking lived-in to any passers-by. Hiring a live-in pet sitter will allow you to rest assured that someone is caring for your home at night.

Extra Services Available From Some Pet Sitters:

If your dog requires more care than just feeding and being let out a few times a day, some pet sitters offer additional services such as:
  • Training
  • Grooming
  • Frequent walks
  • Housekeeping

Making the Right Choice For Your Dog

Pet parents often experience anxiety about leaving their dog while on vacation. Finding the right dog care for your vacation will ultimately come down to personal preference, price and availability in your neighborhood. With a little research into the services available in your area, you will be able to find just the right level of care for your fur baby, at a price you can afford.

Medical & Standard Boarding Your Pet at Altas Palmas Animal Clinic

At Altas Palmas Animal Clinic we understand that it can be stressful to leave your pet - especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery. Our goal is to put help put your mind at ease by providing your dog with the care they need while you're away.  We provide complete boarding services for pets with a disease or medical condition that requires medication and/or monitoring that some standard boarding facilities may not be equipped to accommodate.

At our dog boarding facility, our friendly and experienced staff are here to provide the care your dog needs while you are on vacation or away from home. We offer standard boarding for healthy dogs who need a safe and friendly place to stay while you're away. Try to think of your dog's stay at a kennel as a vacation for them too. We will be sure to give your dog lots of love and attention to keep them feeling happy and contented.

Learn More About Boarding at Altas Palmas Animal Clinic

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Altas Palmas Animal Clinic provides a range of boarding services to our established veterinary clients. If you are one of our existing clients please contact us to learn more about boarding your dog while you are on vacation.

Welcoming New Patients

Our vets at Altas Palmas Animal Clinic are now accepting new patients! Our veterinary team is passionate about keeping the cats and dogs of Harlingen happy and healthy. Contact us today to schedule your pet's first appointment.

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Book Online (956) 423-3322