Traveling away from NYC for extended periods can be tricky with a large dog. There is no dearth of options for dog owners in this city: dog day care, dog walkers, pet sitter, friends, door men etc.. But the quality of the options definitely vary.
During our last 10 day trip away, we decided to explore the possibility of leaving Mr.Brown at home and hiring a dog walker to come 3 times a day- expensive, but possibly less so than our usual dog boarding service, D is for Doggy (click on the link for the review).
Dog Walkers
Dog walkers are good for pets that require more personalized attention, and perhaps, don’t get along with other dogs!
In general, dog walker prices range per walk and per service:
- Dog Walks: A 30 minute walk where time starts the moment the dog walker enters your apartment and also includes the time it takes for him/her to put on the dog collar and dog leash. Additional charges may apply if you require your dog to be fed and watered. ~$15 per walk
- Pet Sitting: This a la carte 45 minute service usually includes a short walk AND play time in your home. Depending on the provider, its possible to arrange for the dog walker to sleep in your residence during your travels so your dog doesn’t feel lonely or scared. ~$45
- Pet Boarding: Depending on the provider and space in their home, you may have the option of boarding your pet with the dog walker for slightly less than an established dog boarding service. ~$55
- Misc: Traveling fees for the dog walker my apply if they are traveling outside their comfort radius.
Some questions to ask before you decide to use a dog walker for your pet:
- How much personalized attention does my dog need?
- What is included in the basic service, how much will things like feeding/watering include?
- REFERRALS!!
- How many years of experience does your dog walker have?
- Is this a full time job for your dog walker?
- Who will actually be walking my dog?
- How many dogs will be walked at a time? (Usually one household per walk is best!)
- Is my door tricky to open? Are my doormen strict?
Dog Boarding
Boarding your dog usually is a flat fee, with the exception of things like giving your dog medicine, extra walks etc.. We have only used D is for Doggy ($75/day; $60 for 5+ days) but in general the costs include feeding and short bathroom walks.
Things to consider before boarding your dog:
- Does my dog get walks? Where does he/she go to the bathroom? ( I would avoid boarders that allow dogs to go inside the facility- this contributes to poor habits and is unsanitary)
- Where does my dog sleep? In a kennel or in a pack?
- Dogs my dog get a bed/cot to sleep on?
- Are dogs divided by size?
- Are feeding times individual or group?
- Is water free standing or only served at select times?
- Is someone with the dogs 24/7?
- REFERRALS!
Ultimately, we have decided that when we travel for more than 2-3 days, boarding gives us more peace of mind and is more affordable.
Here is a quick breakdown of pros for both options:
| Dog Boarding |
Dog Walkers |
| - interaction with dogs and people |
- individualized care; more attention |
| - no accidents in the apartment |
- more cost effective for shorter trips |
| - doggy web cam |
- daily email updates |
| - not significantly more expensive than dog walker |
|
| - no strangers in your apartment |
|
Hope this helps you with your decision!
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