We’re all going on a summer holiday, and the dog wants a break too. Due to the long school holidays, July and August are traditionally holiday months, so people plan staycations and holidays abroad.
Once the planning for your holiday starts, you need to start considering your dog and pet (s) and who is going to take them off them
You have three options: petsitter, friends or family, or boarding.
If you decide to go down the boarding route, below are a few tips.
- When looking for a dog walker, pet sitter or boarding place, it is best to find someone recommended to you by your dog trainer, a fellow dog owner, a friend, or even a dog sitter who cannot help you that time.
- Make sure that you and your dog meet the person and that your furbaby likes them.
- When meeting the pet sitter or home boarder, If possible, make sure, as well as the mobile number, you have a landline number (I know not everyone has a landline nowadays). t is also good to have an address. f they are unwilling to give it to you, please think carefully about employing that person.
- If they have a website, check it out and follow any links to Facebook or other social media. You may also consider a who.is on the site to see the history and age of the site. T s gives you an idea of how long the dog walker/pet sitter has been in business.
- Make sure you ask to see their insurance. At the end of the day, once the dog is in their care, they are liable if your dog causes an accident or injures someone.
- Check they have a licence
- ask how many dogs they have at a time
- Don’t be afraid to ask for references and follow them up
- Ensure that when your dog is in their care, they put I.D. tags with their mobile number, name, house number, and postcode.
- Do ask where your dog will be sleeping etc.
- Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want to. After all, it would help if you felt happy and relaxed that your four-legged friend will be treated as one of the family.
- Ideally, you should provide the food as a sudden change can cause upset stomachs.
- Ensure your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date – including Kennel Cough.
- Ensure that the dog border has contact numbers for you abroad and contact in England.
- Consider setting up a WhatsApp group.
- In an emergency, your sitter will need to go straight to a vet to get treatment. Di cuss this possibility. If vets fees are incurred whilst you are away, think about how this can be managed.
Since 2018 anyone who offers home boarding requires a licence from their local council.
Please note that we do not offer home boarding, just Holiday care in your own home and cat feeding. If this is the case, please get in touch with me, as I may be able to help.
Don’t forget to read our article on when is the best time to book holiday care for your pet
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