While many pet parents would prefer to take our canine companions with them everywhere, that is not always a viable option when traveling. You may have business obligations, the transportation you are using may not allow pets, or you may not want to leave your dog in an unfamiliar hotel while you visit attractions that don’t allow pets.
No matter the reason, you want to ensure your pet is safe, happy, and well cared for while you are away. While many still employ friends and neighbors to look after their pets when away, more people are leaning towards having professionals in the local pet community handle this essential task.
Travel Pet Care Option #1: Boarding Facilities
More extensive boarding facilities typically have kennels available for your dog to sleep in at night. Your dog is kept housed and fed while you are away, but the conditions can vary greatly. Attendants are typically available to feed and interact with your dog.
Dogs generally walk two to four times a day and may even be allowed time outdoors for individual dog runs. In many cases, however, your canine companion may spend much of the day languishing in their kennel, mainly if you don’t purchase additional amenities.
More expensive boarding facilities can have several different services available, including doggie daycare during the day and grooming services. Still, it is essential to ask detailed questions before making a choice. An amenity like pool play may mean a designated in-ground pool, or it could just be a kiddie pool to splash in, and one-on-one time can vary from playtime in a small outdoor yard to an attendant merely interacting with the dog in the kennel itself.
Accommodation in these facilities can cost anywhere from $40 to $75 per night per pet in the Space Coast area, and most of them require additional fees for sought-after services. Doggie daycare, swimming, grooming, and specialized one-on-one time are likely to increase the bill by $10 to $20 per service, depending on the facility.
Best for:
- Friendly, laid-back dogs who enjoy interacting with groups of other dogs
- Aggressive dogs, dogs that are overly territorial, or dogs with a bite history
- Dogs that have specific medical needs that may require veterinary care (if there are veterinary professionals on staff)
- Heart conditions
- Kidney disorders
- Immune-mediated diseases
Travel Pet Care Option #2: Family-Style Dog Boarding
Having your pet watched in someone else’s home is similar to boarding facilities in that your pet will spend time in an unfamiliar environment. However, instead of staying at a facility with kennels, your dog will stay at someone’s home while you are away. This arrangement, similar in nature to bed and breakfasts, gives your dog more autonomy during the day. Dogs are usually allowed the freedom to roam somewhat during the day, and they also tend to enjoy a great deal more human interaction.
These sitting services often have a smaller capacity than the more extensive boarding facilities, so planning in advance is advantageous. This is one of the many services that Space Coast Pet Services offers for smaller dogs, but it is limited in availability. This option typically runs around $50 per night and does not usually require additional fees for social interactions and activities.
Best for:
- Social dogs who crave human interaction as well as canine
- Dogs with separation anxiety
- Dogs who are friendly with other dogs but don’t enjoy large groups
- Dogs with conditions that require supervision but not veterinary care
- Diabetes
- Bladder issues
- Epilepsy
Travel Pet Care Option #3: In-Home Pet Care
Most pets are much more comfortable staying in their own homes when their owners are away than spending time in unfamiliar surroundings. Fortunately, many services cater to pets that prefer to stay at home.
Services are available online, ranging from large corporate entities and websites such as Rover, Wag, or Care.com to smaller local entities that cater specifically to Rockledge, Viera, and Suntree in Brevard County, such as Space Coast Pet Services.
The prices for pet sitting in your home can vary greatly, depending on the services your dog requires, but it provides peace of mind that your dog is comfortable at home. Pet-sitting typically ranges from $25 to $50 per drop-in and covers essential services, including feeding, watering, walking, playing, cleaning up messes, and medication administration, all on your preferred schedule.
In addition to the essential services, pet sitting companies may provide other amenities for an additional cost, such as staying overnight, transportation to appointments, and even watering plants and collecting mail. Space Coast Pet Services offers additional services such as pet transportation, which covers the occasional vet or groomer visit or run to the store for medication, extra food, or needed supplies.
We also provide visit updates, including photos of your pet enjoying time at home. While the additional services can add up in some cases, they are well worth it for the peace of mind that your pet is comfortable, happy, and well-cared for while you are away.
Best for:
- Dogs that are not comfortable away from their home
- Canines who are dog-reactive but friendly with humans
- Dogs that are set in their ways
- Dogs with painful or complicating conditions that don’t typically require immediate veterinary care
- Hip Dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Blindness
Which is the best pet care option for you?
Choosing an appropriate care option for your pet can depend on many factors. For instance, those prone to separation anxiety but get along well with other dogs often prefer the activity and companionship offered by pet-sitting services handled in someone’s home. These pups are likely to do well in a boarding facility with a doggie daycare option.
On the other hand, dogs that do not enjoy the company of other dogs or have painful medical conditions that can be exacerbated by frequent interactions with other dogs, such as spinal disorders or hip dysplasia, are likely to prefer care in their homes. The same goes for dogs who prefer their set schedule and those better served with constant access to a doggie door.
Your number and variety of pets may also affect how you handle pet care when you are away from home. Many boarding facilities or in-home pet sitting facilities allow multiple dogs but not other types of pets. For instance, Space Coast Pet Services’ home-away-from-home family-style dog boarding permits dogs but not cats.
If you have a dog and cat that are particularly close, separating them for the duration could cause additional anxiety for both, making in-home pet sitting most appealing.
Exotic pets, such as birds, aquatics, snakes, rodents, or lizards, often have complicated setups that can make transportation complicated and cause the animal great distress. Pet sitting services provided at your home are far more beneficial for families with various pets.
If you have any questions about our services or what services would best suit your pets and your lifestyle, contact us to discuss your options and concerns. We will help point you in the right direction.
Bon Voyage!
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