Planning ahead for expected -- or even unexpected -- contingencies can provide you with a relief from stress and greater peace of mind. Providing for your dog while you're out of town or during an emergency is one of the things for which you should have plans.
Not only do you love your dog, you also recognize that you owe her care no matter what happens. You may recall that during Hurricane Katrina a number of dog owners refused to leave the flooded city without their dogs. They put up with serious hardship and the threat of death rather than abandon the dogs who were dependent upon them.
We're not anticipating that you will routinely be in such a life-threatening situation. But there may well be times when you're called out of town, hospitalized, or in some other way unable to be there for your dog. It's good to know that there are some resources you can call upon when these situations arise. There are a number of services that will care for your dog, and there are some other options that are also available to you.
Pet day care isn't quite the same as a child's day care, but there are distinct similarities. It's the same basic idea, modified to suit the needs of your pet.
A pet day care provides a number of things that your dog -- especially if she's young -- needs for her welfare. There will be other animals there with whom she can play. The workers there will provide for her needs, which is particularly important with a young dog. A young dog who lacks sufficient stimulus and interaction will be much more prone to destructive behavior.
A boarding kennel may have to be your solution if you're going to be away for one or more nights. This might be out-of-town travel, your own hospitalization, or some other serious interference with your normal lifestyle. Kennels can be an expensive solution, but you will know that your dog is being well cared for in a safe and secure environment.
You may be able to leave your dog at home, in the environment she knows best. This is an easy way to ensure that she's being cared for and paid attention to by someone who comes by to check on her regularly or even by someone who stays at your house for the time you'll be away.
Another form of in-home care involves your dog staying in the home of a friend or neighbor. While this is less ideal than having her remain in her own familiar environment, you may find it's more possible -- and less expensive -- than either day care or a boarding kennel.
Which of the available options you choose reflects, among other things, which of them are available to you. If there are no pet day care facilities in your town, then this is not an option to you. If you have a friend or relative who is available to move into your home for a little while, this option becomes very tempting. Whatever choice you make, be sure the person who's caring for your beloved friend is qualified and caring.
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