One of the most convenient and reliable options for kenneling your dog or cat over holiday travel is probably your own veterinarian’s office, because most offer overnight stays. Your pet, of course, will be adequately attended to, but the accommodations and hospitality options are probably lacking. After all, they are in business to keep pets safe and healthy, not to read precious kitty bedtime stories each night. (However, many vet offices offer military discounts for extended stays.)
Plush pet care, however, is big business. The American Pet Products Association reports that animal lovers spend billions annually on pet boarding, pet sitting, walking, and grooming. That’s a lot of pet paw pedicures! The data also suggests that pet families regularly seek boarding options beyond basic veterinarians’ kennels. Here are some ideas.
What are some alternatives to pet boarding, and can military families afford them?
In-Home Pet Care Options
First, and most likely the least expensive, is to contact friends, family, or another military family and politely beg. Someone might owe you a big favor; it could be time to cash in. Or, if the hosting family has pets, you could ask if your pet is welcome to the festivities. Just be prepared for an awkward no.
Pet Care Swap
In more friendly terms, you could propose a pet-sitting swap with someone you trust. Most pets enjoy the company of other animals, but make sure that yours does before trying this arrangement. You want to avoid your neighbor calling to talk about your beloved misbehaving while in their charge, which would make you both feel terrible.
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Pet Sitters
There’s a wide and varied industry of pet sitters in the world today. Some professionals come to your home, while others take your pet into theirs. Paid add-on options can include playtime, feeding, walks, and overnight tending. Each company has its own payment systems and subscription services.
Check out Rover, Holidog, and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find sitters that meet your qualifications. You might just find another military family provider who understands your unique military travel lifestyle.
Local Options
You'll likely find hyperlocal options near your neighborhood, and they might be less expensive if you find the right pet sitter. Start with your vet. Do they have a recommendation? Or does the vet tech or staff do pet sitting on the side?
Knowing that a trained veterinary staff is in charge of your #1 pet removes some of the worry. At a minimum, they’ll know where to take Mr. Meow if he gets sick.
Check Local Reviews
Don’t forget the tried-and-true Care.com and your local edition of NextDoor. College kids home for holiday breaks often list their info to earn extra cash. You’ll also read candid reviews of your neighbors' experiences, with passionate warnings and recommendations included.
Outside Pet Boarding
Now, for the luxury outfitters. Small, boutique-styled boarding facilities and large pet resorts offer plentiful amenities: pools, pampered grooming like facials, outdoor agility courses, and skylights (because, of course, natural light is the best!). The list goes on as far as your military paycheck can reach.
Peace of Mind
Pet owners definitely pay for peace of mind. Safety, health, cleanliness, and dedicated attention are typically touted as top priorities by these types of boarding facilities. You can expect an average night’s stay to be around $75 to $100 (oftentimes more) or a little less for cats.
Pet "Resorts"
High-end pet resorts are usually located near large cities where expendable income is the norm rather than an extravagance. Military stations might not fit that bill everywhere, but military-heavy Washington, DC, certainly has its share of fancy pet hotels, as do New York, Florida, and Texas. Pet resorts aren’t hard to find in big cities. Remember to ask for a military discount or a regular visitor discount.
Rustic versions of pet resorts are lovingly referred to as "country dog camps." These summer camp-type boarding facilities are popping up more and more to please the most discerning dog owners. They offer wide-open spaces with room to play all day with fellow dog friends within secured fields and ponds.
Farm-life living with responsible supervision is just one of the benefits of outdoor dog camps. Country Dogs is an excellent example of free-rein adventure. Their location provides pet pickup and delivery services in Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia, but pet owners from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey also choose to make the drive for the unique care, especially if they need long term accommodations.
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Tips for First-Time Boarders
Before drop-off day, there are a few things to know. First, check in with your facility for the most up-to-date mandates. Don’t forget to ask about military discounts!
Vaccines
Legal and reputable operations require proper vaccinations and documentation for proof. Dogs who haven’t used a kennel likely don’t have the additional Bordetella vaccine, which they’re required to have before arrival.
Overall Health
Most companies screen for temperament before drop-off and check the animal for sickness on the day of check-in. Be aware that each boarding house has its own rules regarding neutering. Some require the operation, while others will separate the intact animals from other guests.
Check-Ins
The facilities you choose should be happy for you to visit before leaving your pet. Request a tour and ask questions. The facilities should also welcome phone calls to check on your pet while you are away.
Schedule Ahead
The best pet resorts are consistently booked. Everyone wants their pet to go to the best place, right? During holidays and peak vacation times, it is difficult to snag an opening unless you do it weeks or, more likely, months in advance.
Traveling with Your Pet
If the above options don’t work for you, consider traveling with your pet. Hotels and military lodging have become much more lenient with their guidelines and availability. Plus, pets in a hotel provide the perfect excuse to end a long day of mingling with relatives. Traveling with your pet and boarding him at a facility near your destination can ease some of your worries if you can check on him daily.
Before making your hotel or military lodging reservation, confirm the website’s pet policy on availability, the number of pets per room, pet fees, breed restrictions, size/weight limit, and whether the pet needs crating while you’re away from the room. You don’t want to arrive at the hotel and have to leave because your Great Dane doesn’t meet the weight limit.
As the holiday season approaches, how will you give Fluffy and Fido the attention they deserve while you’re gone? Share your ideas in the comments!
Trying to find a rental home as a pet owner? Click the image below for a list of free ideas.
