There is nothing that brings more love and joy into your life than having a pooch.

Dogs are herd animals and being alone at home is not something that they necessarily enjoy. Your furry companion thrives best when everyone is gathered in your house. However, life in today’s world is not that simple and all of us are rushing to work during the weekdays and sometimes we have to be away for a longer period. This is when we must come up with a solution on who should watch our dog for us and this can be tricky.

First and foremost, as a pet parent, you must make sure that your loved furball is taken care of and you must obtain the right pet insurance. If you keep on asking yourself  ‘is pet insurance worth the cost,’  remember that regardless of where your pet is, at home or outside in the park, it can always end up hurting itself and a visit to the vet’s office might end up being a costly ordeal. This is why pet insurance is the top recommendation from all vets to pet owners.

Before you leave for your business trip or vacation, you should be well-informed about what can be a good option for your dog in the meantime. In this article, we are glad to offer a few tips on how to find the safest place to leave your dog, without feeling regret and guilt.

First Class Dog Kennels 

A dog kennel might just be the right fit for you as it offers dog owners a safe place to leave their furry friends when they are away. During their stay at large dog kennels,  dogs are fed, walked, and cared for by professional staff who are responsible for keeping the dog healthy and happy. 

Knowing that your pooch is in a secure environment with no way of getting lost or ending up in an accident will give you peace of mind. Some kennels offer grooming, training and encourage socialization to provide the ultimate wellbeing of the dog. 

Even though there is no better place for a dog than their home, dog kennel staff are experienced in making the place comfortable and building trust with the animal, making it respond in a positive way.

You will feel at ease when you come back to pick up your dog and see that it has been cared for in the best way possible.

Dog Walkers In Your Area

A dog walker can be an excellent solution. It can be someone who likes to spend time with a dog without having to assume responsibility around the clock. 

It could be an older person who has had a dog but does not want to get a new one, or perhaps a neighbor who has not yet dared to take the step of getting their own dog. It could also be someone who wants to make extra money. 

Today, there are web services and apps where you can get in touch with someone to walk your dog while you finish your small errand.

Look Up A Professional Dog Sitter

As sometimes plans can change unexpectedly, a pet sitter who is flexible is what you need. There might be times when you need to go on a business trip and quickly need a dog sitter over the weekend, then a dog sitter who is able to come quickly to the rescue makes it an excellent choice.

Although it is more of a costly alternative, a good dog sitter is a great option as they are passionate, responsible, and flexible. Having a genuine interest and passion for taking care of dogs is an important quality that an excellent dog sitter possesses. 

A dog sitter is always willing to learn more about how to take care of dogs in the best way and respect the dog owner's wishes.

Call A Friend, Neighbor Or Relative

Relatives and close friends are usually willing to help in such a situation. This is a safe option as the dog will recognize the person and it is quite the cost-effective alternative. Not only will your dog be familiar with the person, but it will also greatly reduce its separation anxiety that can set in when the dog owner is gone for a while.

If the person lives nearby, they will be able to check up on your dog more frequently during the day but you’ll have to be very clear with the rules and daily routines of your dog as they are not a professional who’ll know everything. It would be really helpful for them if you put the dog food, treats, leashes, and any necessary medicine in a place they’ll easily remember and find.

Preparing and guiding them through your pet’s eating habits will put both of you at ease when you’re away.

Have Them Stay At Your Local Vet

As mentioned, one way is to ask around in your circle of acquaintances. However, there is a risk that the person becomes ill or suddenly is prevented to make it. 

If you want to be sure that your doggie always has somewhere to go where it gets food, company, and gets rested and provided with proper medical attention, leaving it with your local vet can be a good idea.

Your dog staying with your vet can be the ideal situation if it’s older or has certain health issues that make you anxious about leaving them while you’re away. 

Find A Volunteer

Volunteers really make a difference to dog parents. Not only is this one of the most affordable options but you’ll also get a person who loves animals, making you feel confident about leaving your beloved pet in the company of a stranger. 

Volunteers love spending time with animals and they love giving back to the community by assisting in times of need. They have hands-on experience and practice skills gained by their previous experiences.

Make sure you find a competent volunteer as a good way to make your pooch connect with them and build a positive relationship while you’re absent.  

Additional Ways of Making Your Pet Safe While Away

If you do not have the means or someone nearby to watch your dog when you are away for longer periods, there are also some other options on how to think outside the box and make thedog’s stay at home more comfortable and safe.

• Installing a Surveillance Camera: Nowadays, you can find solutions of all kinds when choosing surveillance cameras for your home. The first thing to remember is that the device has a night vision mode because in this way you can control your pet even if the light is off. It is clever to choose a model with a built-in microphone so that you can interact with your dog. It may seem silly to you, but the peace it will give you when you’re able to soothe the dog if it starts barking is something to keep in mind.
• Keep a Good Temperature: Depending on the season and the high or low temperatures outside, adapt the temperature that will be right for your pets so they can feel good when you’re not around. Consider installing a thermostat that will make sure that they are as safe as they can be.
• Create the Safest Environment: You may think that your home is a safe place for your dog, but if you have not taken the right preventive measures, the dog can still be injured. Our little furry friends are curious, restless, and eager to explore all the hidden corners, especially when they are puppies. Household accidents can occur anytime, anywhere, and to prevent these accidents, make sure that you remove dangerous objects out of your pet’s reach when you’re away. 
• Remember Food Supplies:Last but not least, remember to always prepare enough food and water for your pooch and make sure it has easy access to it. 

Final Thoughts

We consider our pets as family members and we never want to leave them alone, feeling uncared for. They are social creatures and love interacting with humans and other animals. However, we must go on with our days, work schedules, and often, we need a break.

In the article above, we suggested great ways of taking care of your pooch while you’re away. Just make sure that you provide the necessary information about your dog’s needs and you are literally good to go. With this, you’ll set yourself up for success and find comfort in the fact that you’ll soon enjoy a happy reunion.