Owning a dog is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Before deciding to get a dog, you should think about how much time you can devote to him.
If you travel a lot, the time demand can become a real issue
So, Should You Get a Dog If You Travel a Lot?
Yes, you can still get a dog if you travel a lot. However, you will be required to make alternate arrangements to compensate for your absence. Think of a dog as a kid that requires you to dedicate your time, resources, and patience. If you travel a lot and are ready to get a dog, you should be fully prepared and plan well before taking a dog in. Don’t get a dog unless you can take it with you on travel or have a reliable house sitter/ friend/family help to look after it in your absence. If that is not possible, you can befriend stray dogs on your trip and shower them with love and food.
Dogs are breathtaking companions giving you unconditional love regardless of the kind of day you have had.
They are always waiting to give you a gentle paw, sloppy kisses, and fetch the ball for you.
They are a big commitment that will need your constant care, discipline, love, and attention for years.
Related: Should You Get A Dog If You Work Full Time?
What To Do with Your Dog When You Travel
1. Find A Trusted Pet And House Sitter
This is one of the best and preferred options, particularly with dogs.
When traveling for an extended period, you should find a house sitter that you completely trust to stay in your house and take care of your dog.
There are several ways of finding a house sitter starting with calling your family and friends to see if anyone can sit for you.
If that does not work for you, there are some websites to find dedicated pet and house sitters.
2. Boarding at a Local Vet
Most veterinarians have boarding services with round-the-clock animal care.
This can be the perfect place to leave your dog if it feels unwell, has health problems, or needs close attention from someone who understands what they are doing.
This will benefit a dog that requires proper administration of regular medication.
However, it can be a stressful environment for your pet, so you would only want to use this option as a final resort and for a short time.
A healthy dog does not need to spend a week in a vet boarding facility hearing cries of other distressed animals and being potentially exposed to infections.
3. Family And Friends
One of the most straightforward things to do, particularly for a dog pet, is having a family member or friend take care of them while you are away.
If you are fortunate to be in a location where you have a family member or friend willing to look after your dog in your home, it will be a perfect option.
There is a probability that your dog is already familiar with this person, so you won’t require introducing someone completely new who is not aware of your dog’s schedule and personality.
Just ensure that you explain to them how they should properly care for your dog, so there are not any problems or discrepancies when you are gone.
4. Neighborhood Pet Swap
Everyone can get a need to travel either for a work or holiday tour.
If you have neighbors with pets, why not consider neighbors talking to your neighbors about working together to help each other out with your pets.
When you are going away, your neighbor can pop over every day to spend some time with your dog and ensure they have plenty of fresh water and food, and you will reciprocate the same when they travel.
Therefore, try to reach out to your neighbors with pets and see if they will be keen to work out a neighborhood pet collective. This way, you will always know that your pets are being cared for by people you can trust.
5. House Visits
Pet sitters provide in-house visits, which is a perfect option if you go away for a few days and have a pet that does not fuss when left alone overnight.
Usually, you pay per house visit, and the house sitter comes out a day or two to check on your pets and do things such as taking them for a walk, refilling food and water, changing kitty litter, and even disposing of your bins.
To get someone who provides this service, you need to do a quick google search for pet sitters providing home visits in your local area.
6. Take Your Dog With You
This is not always an option, but, if possible, it can be credible to take your dog along with you, depending on your circumstances and where you are going.
Taking your pet with you might be a good option if you are traveling by car or motorhome or planning to stay in one residence for a long-time.
However, you should be careful with bordering requirements for pets entering a new state or country.
As always, you should consider your dog’s temperament, reaction to change, and willingness to travel, but it is also a fanciful opportunity to strengthen your connection with your dog and don’t have to worry about leaving him behind.
Related: Are Poodles Good for First-Time Dog Owners?
Tips For Leaving Your Dog While on Travel
You will surely miss your best friend while traveling.
However, you want to enjoy and relax during your vacation. Here are some tips to ensure you leave your dog well when on travel.
1. Write Your Dog’s Schedule For The Pet Sitter
Leaving your dog’s schedule to your sitter can be more helpful for them to know when your dog wakes in the morning, goes for a walk, takes meals, and has bathroom breaks.
This way, they will stick as close to your dog’s routine as possible.
2. You Don’t Need Long Goodbyes
Get your vacation off to a perfect start by simply scratching your dog behind the ears and heading out to your travel. This way, you won’t create much tension for both you and your dog.
3. Don’t Worry About Your Canine Friend While You Are Away
Dogs do not have a similar time concept as humans.
Whether you go for an hour or a week, the dog will hug you enthusiastically when you come back, so you don’t have to worry about them.
To dogs, it’s not so much about leaving; it is that you will come back.
4. Prepare A Packing List
If you are boarding your dog at a pet sitter, friend, or kennel, you will need to pack a bag for your pup.
The packing list should include;
- water and food bowls
- pertinent phone numbers including your contact
- vet’s cell number
- close-by emergency contact
- dog food
- vaccinations records
- poop bags
- a dog leash
- dog bed
- toys
- and bones, etc.
Conclusion
There are many options, and it is essential to take sufficient time to ensure you find a secure, safe and loving situation to leave your dog when you are on travel.
The vital thing is for you to have the ease and comfort of knowing even when you are away your dog is in safe hands and well looked after.
Otherwise, you can go on and get a dog even if you travel a lot.
Related
Is It Rude to Bring Your Dog to Someone’s House Without Asking?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Getting A 3rd Dog? Does Gender Matter?
References
Can I get a dog even though I travel a lot? – collegeconfidential.com
What should I do about getting a pet dog when I travel a lot for work?-Quora.com
How to Leave Your Dog at Home While You’re on Vacation or Away- Jet Pet RESORT