Question:
In your opinion, what is the least harmful way to handle dog care when the owner travels?I have owned dogs for 30 years and was always fortunate enough to have a family member care for them when I took an occasional vacation. However, I no longer have that luxury and am struggling with whether it is better to take them to a kennel (this will be for five to six days) or leave them in my house and hire a dog walker to come two to three times a day. Both of these options fill me with anxiety.One of my dogs is a rescue from Hurricane Katrina and has become extremely attached to me. I am concerned, with all that he has been through, that he will have trouble dealing with my absence (separation anxiety, etc.). Am I overdramatizing the effect that kenneling or leaving them alone in the house for this period of time may cause?.
K.S., Rockville, Md Nov 05, 2006
Answer:
You are not alone in your dilemma. Many people feel they have become emotional prisoners and do not want to put their animal companions at risk by keeping them at a boarding kennel. Some dogs do fine in these situations, provided the boarding facility gives lots of human contact. Some, however, suffer separation anxiety and become physically ill. A one-night trial stay at a boarding facility helps some dogs cope with a longer stay later on.There may be some well-referenced people who will stay in your home and care for your dogs while you are away. Though hard to find and relatively costly, such a service can be the best solution, provided your dogs like the sitter. This could be a better alternative to having a dog walker come three times a day.
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