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You are excited about your holiday trip; got the plane tickets, booked the hotel room, and packed the luggage. But one thing you are not excited about is leaving your furry friend behind. By Dur-e-Sabih Luckily, you have a wide array of options to choose from when looking for a place to take care of your pet while you are away. Finding the right place for your pet is hard, but some research will give you peace of mind. Photo Credit: 825545/Pixabay A Boarding Kennel for Your Dog When dog owners have to leave for vacations, they think of pet boarding in the first place. Best boarding kennels are booked by many dog lovers in advance, especially in peak holiday seasons. So, it is recommended to plan the boarding early so that you can book one according to your trip schedule. For your dog’s welfare and your own peace of mind, research different kennels in your area. After narrowing down the list, visit the most deserving candidates and select the one that offers the most reliable services. Tips For Choosing the Best Kennel for Your Dog The kennel you choose must be licensed by the local authority and have a certificate to prove this. Some kennels approve a visit without a prior appointment. These kennels should be on your go-to list because you can observe the area where your dog will most likely be sleeping, playing, and exercising. Ensure the kennel has an adequate walking area and your dog will be provided with enough exercise daily. Also, ask about the frequency and duration of walks provided to the canines. Kennels must be clean and ventilated to avoid the probability of infections. There should not be any bad smell in the area and the pets should seem relaxed and happy. The place must be fenced to avoid any danger. Guardian dog breed like the Kurdish Kangal dog is highly alert and quickly respond to dangers by actions and warnings, but other breeds may not have such alertness. So do not take the risk of keeping the pets in an unconfined area. However, dogs may bark or get excited when you visit them, but they should calm down quickly. Quick Kennel Checklist Do they have a caring, friendly, and experienced staff? Is the place safe, secure, and well-maintained? Are they available on your required dates? Is the ventilation, heat, and light adequate? Do they have a license? Do they accept vaccinated dogs only? Do they have 24/7 availability of a vet on call? Do they take care of grooming? If applicable, can other pets be kept out of sight or hearing to lessen stress? If the kennel you are eyeballing is saying “yes” to all these questions, it implies you are on the right track. Choose a kennel only if you are comfortable with the services provided there. Boarding Kennel Alternatives Millions of people hunt for a reliable kennel to take care of their furry friend whilst they are away. But one who is accustomed to sleeping in a comfortable and quiet place with you will find it tough to stay in a strange bustling place. Additionally, the cost of kennels might deviate you from thinking about it. Pet boarding can cost from $15 to $35 per day, depending on the services and quality of facilities provided. So, you must be wondering about alternatives that give you peace of mind without emptying your wallet. So here you will find plenty of compelling alternatives. 1. Hire A Pet Sitter You don’t have to take your dog miles off before leaving for a holiday. You just have to bring the right person home that is capable of taking the best care of your pet. It’s like killing two birds with the same stone. A Pet sitter will take care of both your pet and your home in your absence. Plus, your pet’s daily routine will not be harmed and he will keep staying in a familiar setting. Your absence will not create much anxiety. Photo Credit: Tumisu/Pixabay Tips For Finding the Right Pet Sitter Ask your friends or community for a recommendation. Check reviews or customer feedback on independent review sites. If possible, make a prior visit with the potential sitters to see how they interact with your dog. He must be DBS checked and insured. License is not compulsory but the most reputed ones will show an insurance certificate. 2. Seek Help from Family or Friends If the costs of pet sitters intimidate you, getting a trusted friend or family member’s help is a way out. Your dog might be familiar with them, so he won’t feel strange. Tips For Choosing the Right Friend/Family If they are taking your four-legged friend home, consider the following: Do they have another dog? if yes! Is your dog comfortable with him? Do they have other types of pets? Is your dog familiar with them? If they have a garden, is it fenced to prevent the escape? Is the area where your friend/family lives suitable for them? Dogs accustomed to the quiet of the countryside might feel anxious with the bustle of the city. 3. Leave Your Dog with Home Boarder Opposite to the pet sitter, these professional home boarders take your dog into their own home to look after him when you are away. This is also an excellent option to have an anxiety-free trip. Tips For Choosing the Right Home Boarder A prior visit is all you need to find a perfect home boarder for your furry friend. The love for a dog can easily be found in the eyes of a person. Choose a neutral place for a meeting; a dog-walking spot will let you know how they interact with dogs. Visit the home to ensure it is danger-free for your pooch; no exposed wires, no toxic substances, and no open garden. He is willing to show the reviews and is confident enough to suggest you contact other customers for recommendations and references. They must be capable of dealing with emergency situations. Home boarders are legally required to be licensed, so he must show his license to home-board dogs. Other requisite paperwork such as insurance details, dog first aid training, etc., must also be easily available. To Sum Up Leaving your pet behind is the most disappointing part of planning a vacation, but luckily you come across many options where your dog can be taken care of, such as boarding kennels, home boarders, friends, or any trusted family member. If possible, take your pet with you because many hotels allow pets. Whatever the option you choose, make sure your pet’s daily routine is not harmed and he is comfortable with the new setting. About the Author Dur-e-Sabih provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. She loves dogs and loves to write about dogs. Also, her educational background in Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing. Also View: Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet-Friendly Hotel Why is Dog Boarding Important in Toronto? The Everyday Joys and Challenges of Being a Dog Sitter