Pet Sitting

[Bosguy]

I hope someone can help me out. A "friend" of mine had agreed to watch my dog 1/14 to 1/17 so I could attend the DCn Forum Luncheon and other events--already booked the hotel

Yesterday, I called to confirm the dates and he nonchalantly informs me that he can't due it for "health" reasons. To make matters worse, he is co-owner of the dog and my ex!

I won't put Longfellow in a kennel and my family won't help out. Please, any suggestions?

I feel terrible mainly because I had made commitments to a lot of the attendees.

 

Boston Bill

[Holden]

Try looking at craigslist under Pet Sitters....perhaps you can find someone who will care for the dog for 3 days. There are some very reliable sitters out there but before you hire,interview them at length, preferable with the dog to see how it takes to them.

[jjkrkwood]

Unless you can find some other friend to pitch in for you on short notice, I would search for some "PET HOTELS" in your area. Many of these facilities are great for short term pet care, but you need to do your homework, or even pay a visit to the facility for an "inspection".

 

If I were closer, I would help since I love pets and miss having my own....

[+ Travis69]

The Palomar Hotel in Dupont Circle allows pets if you would like to bring your dog with you.

[+ Charlie]

Ask your vet if they board animals, or if they have someone they recommend.

[OneFinger]

...I won't put Longfellow in a kennel ...

There are good kennels and bad kennels and have had no problems leaving my boys at a good kennel.

 

I've always relied on my vet for kennel recommendations. Sometimes they run a kennel but they've always informed me of the ones to avoid.

 

One of the kennels was so great the boy actually was excited to go. The minute I'd get out the suitcases and start packing he'd start getting anxious to visit his "friends" at the kennel. I always made sure he had his favorite blanket and toy. He always seemed to enjoy himself.

 

Not sure I'd recommend traveling with a pet unless you're driving. I used to fly with my dogs and just wouldn't do that again. Not only is it getting more expensive but the airlines are making it much more difficult. I actually showed up at the airport with required documentation in hand (and a pre-paid pet fee for the dog) only to have the airline change their mind about taking him.

[+ Charlie]

The Palomar Hotel in Dupont Circle allows pets if you would like to bring your dog with you.

Many hotels and motels will let you stay there with your pet, but they have rules against leaving the animal alone in the room. Even if there is no prohibition, it is not advisable to leave him alone at the hotel, particularly if he is likely to bark when left alone in a strange place. There is also the danger of housekeeping staff entering the room and being bitten, or accidently letting the animal out. I always travel with a crate if I take my dog or cat with me, and only leave him alone if he is in the crate.

[down_to_business]

I recommend contacting your VET as surely they can recommend a good and reliable pet sitter. A benefit to knowing your VET, the sitter would be sble to rush your pet over to your vet in case of an emergency.

[+ Travis69]

This might be a really strange idea but what about hiring an escort you already know and trust to come house sit your dog so the dog can stay at home. Obviously the rate would not be as high as a overnight but $200.00 a day seems fair. The escort could still do outcalls and incalls at his own place if close by. Just a thought if you really don't want to put your dog in a kennel.

[+ Charlie]

I don't know of any petsitter or kennel that charges anything close to $200/day. My own upscale vet hospital boards dogs for $27/day, more if you want special services, such as personalized diets, extra exercise/play time, and "dog-friendly" videos screened in the dog's private chamber.

[JT Brooklyn]

As Charlie stated $200 a day? Even in NYC that doesn't Fly! You have 2 weeks I am sure you can make suitable arrangements..hopefully your Dog has "no issues" you have not mentioned?

[+ purplekow]

In my area, there is a place called Dogs on The Farm. An old Farm has been repurposed as a resort of sorts for dogs. Now this place has a doggy bus that picks the dogs up at the train station when the pet owner is going off to work and delivers them back at the station at the end of the day. On nice days there is a large dog park area and when the whether is uncomfortable for dogs, there is a large barn which has a central social area and then individual stalls which are 6 x 6 feet which allows the dog so privacy. With this, meals are included for $27 per day and discounted for longer stays. I am sure there is a similar facility up there in Boston. This facility also offers Skype visits and for an extra fee, you can have your dog on camera on the internet.

[leigh.bess.toad]

I also can recommend to anyone looking for a pet sitter http://www.petsitters.org, the website for the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. I have found the people listed there to be seriously devoted to taking care of pets.

[rvwnsd]

Ask if any of the techs at your vet's office do pet sitting or would consider doing it for your dog. Many of the techs at my cats' vet also do pet sitting. You might also ask your groomer if they know of anyone.

[Bosguy]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations and support. It got me going instead of woing. I took it as my primary task and met with Longfellow's vet who didn't offer that service and her tech' didn't either, but she gave me a couple recomendations plus I found one. I'll be interviewing them all Monday with their references and credentials. The vet also insists that the sitter have her office and home number for any questions.

 

The real Forum shines again, showing its caring, kindness, and support for each. Between you guys and the vet, it shows that the good people far outway the jerks!!!

 

Thank you so much. I promise I won't behave in DC

 

Boston Bill