Going away for a couple of nights......what to do with Toby?

[Sandy]

Toby is spoiled.  I admit this.  We have never gone away and left him at home, and he's 5.  He's a homebody, and just prefers to be here over anywhere else.  He is not a bold dog, and new surroundings freak him out sometimes.  Such as - my son got married this year, and he has laminate floors.  Toby will not walk on these floors.  He just sits on the mat at the back door and has gas because he's afraid to move......yikes.  :)

Anyway, this summer we are going away for 3 nights, and I have no idea what we will do with Toby.  Thoughts?  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Is there anyone that could stay at your house and take care of Toby.  Maybe an older teen in the neighborhood (with parents there in case of any emergency) who is looking to make a little extra money.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You might look for a dog sitter who stays in your home. Perhaps a college student? Someone who is known to you through a friend, relative or neighbor? 

I don't have the problem now, because my DD lives with me, but with my last dog, I had my college student niece stay at my house when I went out of town. It worked out very well.  

[Miss Ellie]

We have a pet sitter.  It works great for us...our dog and two cats remain in the comfort and safety of their own home.  They are happy and it gives us peace of mind.

[Sandy]

I would definitely prefer to leave him here, in the house.  I need to think about who I would trust in the house.  :)  I know there are dog sitters that come 3 times a day, for an hour at a time, but that doesn't seem like much.  One of my three kids would do it, I'm sure, but we are going on a "whole family" holiday, and we will all be gone.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would never feel good about leaving the dogs home alone all night. II think it would be best in Toby's case to have someone come and stay.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I also know there are people in my area who will care for your dogs in their own homes, usually stay at home moms or retired couples. Sometimes you can find out about these through local doggy daycares or privately owned pet supply stores.

A couple of the vet techs at the local veterinary specialty center here also care for clients' pets in their own homes when the clients go out of town. JD's laser therapist is one of them. You might ask about that at your vet's office, too. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I agree with you that someone coming in 3 times (even more) a day and not staying overnight in the same house would not work for me.  I would look into someone you can trust to stay with Toby.  At least you have plenty of time.  

[Doris]

Where do you live?

[Sandy]

Southern Ontario, Canada.

[Doris]

That's a bit far for me or my son!!  Is there a Canada group?

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Check with your Vet.  Many times, in order to earn some extra cash, the Vet Techs will Pet-Sit.  At least, you would have an idea who will be at your house and can be sure they are capable if they are working for your Vet.

  I'm not a fan of having anyone stay at my home without me, if they are not family.  So, this would be a tough one for me too.

[Suzanne & Jack]

We are like you.  Our dogs are spoiled and we never leave them.  The few times that DH and I have gone on a short vacation we've had someone come in to stay at the house.  It has actually been cheaper and better care for them.  The last time it was a girl who had been a tech at our vet's office.  The time before it was a college girl that was recommended by a friend.  Start putting feelers out now.