May 20, 2011

We have a 5-month-old dog and are going on a family vacation for 11 days. I don't know whether to board her at the vet or take her with. What are your thoughts?

Full Question:
Dear Cindy,

I know how busy you must be, but I need some help deciding. I have bought the DVD's on raising a working puppy and basic obedience training and I love them!

Our puppy is a 5 month old Bouvier des Flanders. We are going to Estes Park Colorado for a family vacation for 11 days, flying out there and staying in a cabin that will allow for pets. I am highly concerned on whether or not to take our pup with us. I am afraid if I don't, it may effect her the rest of her life. My only option in leaving her is boarding her in a kennel at the vet. Any advice would be extremely helpful. I have spent a long time on the Leerburg website looking for answers this also.

Thank you and with gratitude
- Susan
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
This is a personal decision and if this were my pup, I would do my best to find a dog sitter or friend that I trust to care for the dog in a home environment. I don’t know how much I would want to fly a puppy for a vacation unless it was small enough to take in the cabin with me (which your dog is obviously not).

I most definitely would not board at a vet’s office. I would not want my puppy to be in an environment that has sick animals included. I think if that was my ONLY option I would take my dog with me on vacation.

Can you do a search online for your area, to see if there are pet sitters or people who care for dogs in their home? Years ago when I was a groomer there were certain clients of mine who left their dogs with me at my home when they went on vacation. It worked out well for the dogs because they already knew me and I followed the specific walking and feeding instructions the owners left.

Cindy
User Response:
Dear Cindy

I found a good kennel today where the caretaker met Payton, and gave me a tour of the 5 acre facility. Everything looked and smelled very clean. I cannot seem to find an individual sitter (that was my first choice), but this looks to be a very nice place. They also had play areas, runs and individual attention. I cannot begin to thank you enough for taking your time with a respose to my e-mail.

God Bless
-Susan

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