Going on vacation is something we all need- and more often, please! I went on my first 8-day cruise without the boys so I decided to do a recap on how I prepared for this needed getaway.
Aside from the typical time off from work, planning excursions, and saving money. I had to take into consideration the duration of time the boys will need to be cared for while I was away. I haven’t found a boarding facility that meets my needs and budget for these trips, but I did make a few good friends who were excited to lend a hand.
Once you have found a suitable sitter who you feel confident in leaving your fur baby with, getting them acquainted with the space they will be in is the next step. I like to bring the boys over to my friend’s house a few weeks in advance so they can get an understanding of their home, and their rules. If the friends watching your pup do not want them on their sofa or in their kitchen, do your best training your little one on boundaries and respect for new spaces during their time there. Give them their walks, so they get a feel for the neighborhood and associate routine in this space. Be sure to check the area- backyard/front yard fences for any signs of potential escaping, identify any harmful things like plants or pools they can get into if unattended, and make a note of those things with your friends watching them.
| Schedule
Be sure to have an understanding of the caregivers schedule and how it can best fit with your dog’s daily schedule. I designed a simple and fun profile to provide for my friend watching the boys so they can refer to when they have any questions. Contact me to design your own doggie profile packet below. Review all feeding/walking/ or special needs schedule with the sitter and having these overview profiles really provided comfort for me and my friends on what to do.
| Contacts
Leaving additional contacts for your sitter is an excellent idea if they are unable to contact you for any reason. Life happens so providing an alternative caregiver will increase the needed support during your time away. Be sure to include your vet’s contact and the closest pet emergency clinic on your contact page. The more information, the better, especially if you’re leaving them with friends that do not have dogs or much experience caring for dogs.
| Relax
Last but not least, relax! I don’t know about you, but this is kind of hard, leaving your furry life behind for more than a few days is Nerve-racking. There will be worries, fears, and moments of missing them. But relax… you deserve all the time off in the world. From dog parenting, working, socializing, and tending to your daily responsibilities. Life is wonderful, and I genuinely hope you enjoy your time off and away!
THE DOG MOM 