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Many owners leave pets behind for own luxurious vacation
by Kathleen Thurber
Midland Reporter-Telegram
-Finding a spot for Labor Day may be tough
By Kathleen Thurber
Staff Writer
With things like flat-screen TVs, orthopedic beds and special movie nights provided at some local kennels, the family dog may have a more relaxing vacation than you this Labor Day.
"We're like a resort," said Wag N' Tail Pet Sitting's owner Debbie Erwin. "It's like a human motel for dogs."
However, that luxurious vacation may be hard for four-legged friends to come by if their Labor Day stay hasn't been arranged yet, said local kennel owners and pet sitters, as many have been booked solid for weeks.
"We probably turned down 100 people this Fourth of July," said Happy Paws Pet Motel owner Homer Ellinger, adding that Labor Day is shaping up to be the same. "The high gas prices didn't slow anybody down."
Ellinger said whether hiring someone to come to your home and care for animals, dropping them off at kennels or taking pets along for the trip, the key is to plan ahead and make sure every detail is taken care of before leaving town.
Others agreed with Ellinger and some were even reluctant to give their name for fear that readers would call and add to the long list of potential Labor Day customers they're already having to turn away because they've reached capacity.
Some, like Erwin, still have a few slots open for dogs being left behind. Her facility offers each dog its own spacious room complete with climate control, a personal TV tuned into the Animal Planet, specialty beds and even a dress up day, which she admits doesn't appeal to everyone, but is a great option for pet owners who find leaving canines behind nearly as hard as dropping kids off at daycare for the first time.
"We have play time and free time," she said. "You give 'em a couple of hours and they're very, very happy."
Caralot Kennel and Training Center and pet sitters who come to the owner's home also said they had a few spaces open for the weekend.
For those who have an established relationship with a pet sitter or kennel, squishing a weekend reservation in last minute or snatching that last open spot might be possible, pet sitters and kennel owners said. But for those who are seeking pet care for the first time, well, they'd better start making calls.
Still, all agreed, though space is limited at overnight doggy day cares, asking questions, touring the facility and considering in-home care before leaving Fido behind should remain a priority.
"Make sure it's some place comfortable," said Caralot Kennel owner Cindy Cain.
Kennels should always allow pet owners to tour the facility and see exactly where their pet will be and what they'll be doing when owners are gone, Ellinger said.
Paul Mann, founder and CEO of nationwide pet care FETCH, said owners should also check the pet sitter or facility's references, make sure they're insured and bonded, ensure caretakers have had background checks and any necessary training and that caretakers can be contacted at any point during the pet's stay.
Mann is in favor of professional in-home service for owners looking for the safest route for pet care as pet sitters can be personally screened and selected based on an owner's preferences.
Lori Carson, owner of Three Shepherds Pet and House Sitting, agrees with Mann and said the process is generally more convenient and less stressful for both pets and their owners.
"The pets are home versus being incarcerated," she said. "There's a great deal to be said about the emotional comfort for the animal."
Anytime an owner leaves, she said, pets go through some emotional stress. But, when they're in a familiar environment and aren't being exposed to the illnesses that might be caught from other animals in kennels, they're likely to be more comfortable.
When pets know they're coming to a motel as nice as the one their owners are traveling to though, said Erwin, they're usually clawing to get back in when they see the door.
Ellinger, who also offers human motel-like rooms, said pets can always be taken along if owners have chosen a pet-friendly hotel and have planned outings that don't exclude their canine companions. Mann also said that FETCH and other services can pet sit at a family's destination. That way if they want to visit Disney World or some other attraction but don't want to leave their pet at home they can hire part-time care in the city they're visiting.
With just a week left before Labor Day, pet caretakers agreed it's more than time to start planning, whether that means Spot gets to vacation in a pet resort or stay at home with a certified caretaker.
Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.
By Kathleen Thurber
Staff Writer
With things like flat-screen TVs, orthopedic beds and special movie nights provided at some local kennels, the family dog may have a more relaxing vacation than you this Labor Day.
"We're like a resort," said Wag N' Tail Pet Sitting's owner Debbie Erwin. "It's like a human motel for dogs."
However, that luxurious vacation may be hard for four-legged friends to come by if their Labor Day stay hasn't been arranged yet, said local kennel owners and pet sitters, as many have been booked solid for weeks.
"We probably turned down 100 people this Fourth of July," said Happy Paws Pet Motel owner Homer Ellinger, adding that Labor Day is shaping up to be the same. "The high gas prices didn't slow anybody down."
Ellinger said whether hiring someone to come to your home and care for animals, dropping them off at kennels or taking pets along for the trip, the key is to plan ahead and make sure every detail is taken care of before leaving town.
Others agreed with Ellinger and some were even reluctant to give their name for fear that readers would call and add to the long list of potential Labor Day customers they're already having to turn away because they've reached capacity.
Some, like Erwin, still have a few slots open for dogs being left behind. Her facility offers each dog its own spacious room complete with climate control, a personal TV tuned into the Animal Planet, specialty beds and even a dress up day, which she admits doesn't appeal to everyone, but is a great option for pet owners who find leaving canines behind nearly as hard as dropping kids off at daycare for the first time.
"We have play time and free time," she said. "You give 'em a couple of hours and they're very, very happy."
Caralot Kennel and Training Center and pet sitters who come to the owner's home also said they had a few spaces open for the weekend.
For those who have an established relationship with a pet sitter or kennel, squishing a weekend reservation in last minute or snatching that last open spot might be possible, pet sitters and kennel owners said. But for those who are seeking pet care for the first time, well, they'd better start making calls.
Still, all agreed, though space is limited at overnight doggy day cares, asking questions, touring the facility and considering in-home care before leaving Fido behind should remain a priority.
"Make sure it's some place comfortable," said Caralot Kennel owner Cindy Cain.
Kennels should always allow pet owners to tour the facility and see exactly where their pet will be and what they'll be doing when owners are gone, Ellinger said.
Paul Mann, founder and CEO of nationwide pet care FETCH, said owners should also check the pet sitter or facility's references, make sure they're insured and bonded, ensure caretakers have had background checks and any necessary training and that caretakers can be contacted at any point during the pet's stay.
Mann is in favor of professional in-home service for owners looking for the safest route for pet care as pet sitters can be personally screened and selected based on an owner's preferences.
Lori Carson, owner of Three Shepherds Pet and House Sitting, agrees with Mann and said the process is generally more convenient and less stressful for both pets and their owners.
"The pets are home versus being incarcerated," she said. "There's a great deal to be said about the emotional comfort for the animal."
Anytime an owner leaves, she said, pets go through some emotional stress. But, when they're in a familiar environment and aren't being exposed to the illnesses that might be caught from other animals in kennels, they're likely to be more comfortable.
When pets know they're coming to a motel as nice as the one their owners are traveling to though, said Erwin, they're usually clawing to get back in when they see the door.
Ellinger, who also offers human motel-like rooms, said pets can always be taken along if owners have chosen a pet-friendly hotel and have planned outings that don't exclude their canine companions. Mann also said that FETCH and other services can pet sit at a family's destination. That way if they want to visit Disney World or some other attraction but don't want to leave their pet at home they can hire part-time care in the city they're visiting.
With just a week left before Labor Day, pet caretakers agreed it's more than time to start planning, whether that means Spot gets to vacation in a pet resort or stay at home with a certified caretaker.
Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.
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