Guest hankodie Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I apologise if this topic has been done before. Like the title says I am looking into alternatives to boarding kennels and just wanted to hear people's experiences with pet minders (preferably the ones who stay at your home to look after the pets, but happy to hear any experiences with them). Our frenchie has special health needs and is on a strict diet and needs meds administered x3 a day. When we went away earlier this year we put her in at a lovely kennel recommended by the fantastic people here on DOL and they took such great care of her. Unfortunately for reasons all relating to her health, we will eventually have to stop kennelling her while we are away (one main reason is the c5 vaccination that is required). Our other dog is a 6 month old GR. Both dogs are very used to human contact as I work from home and we also take them with us sometimes to a family run workplace. Having said that there is the odd occasion where we leave them at home during the day and they have both been fine. I would ideally love to find a dog-savvy minder, one who is happy to pop in and out during the day and ideally someone who is knows a lot about doggy health but I know they might be tough to find. For those who have used a pet minder - What was your experience? Where did you find them and were you happy with the service? The only thing I'd be a little worried about would be the dogs escaping while we were gone. We are not planning to go away in the immediate future but are definitely looking at planning a few trips next year depending on if we can find a solution for the dogs (mainly our special needs girl). If not then I'm fully prepared to hold off on going on a vacation for a very very long time :laugh: PS: In case any pet minders are reading this on DOL - we live in a lovely house 3 mins from the beach. Awesome coffee machine, big backyard. You will have to put up with 2 boisterous roommates. One is fond of slobbery kisses, the other one tends to fart a lot (especially when she gets back scratches). Both will follow you around everywhere for belly rubs and cuddles. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 (edited) I use a dog sitter and it does take a bit or work to find the right one but it can be brilliant. Be very careful, check references carefully and start out with just an overnight trip where you aren't too far away in case of things going wrong. Mine aren't to take my pets off the property and only have to be here from about 5pm until at least 9am with no visitors permitted but it has at times been difficult to get people to stick to that. Now I have one that my dogs likes, she rings me if there is an issues and is worth her weight in gold. Edited November 4, 2013 by cowanbree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I have done it in the past for a few weeks at a time back before I had children. I imagine it would be very hard to find people that fit all your requirements, especially if your frenchie's medication requires somebody to be there in the middle of the day to administer it (therefore they can't be working). One day when my kids are grown up maybe I'll travel the country house sitting for DOLers LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakti Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I have used Happy House Sitters a number of times and they have been fantastic! They are free and stay in your home while you are away. The people we used came to meet us and our menagerie a couple of of times first to make sure that all went well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keasarge Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Ask your vet nurse :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hankodie Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I have done it in the past for a few weeks at a time back before I had children. I imagine it would be very hard to find people that fit all your requirements, especially if your frenchie's medication requires somebody to be there in the middle of the day to administer it (therefore they can't be working). One day when my kids are grown up maybe I'll travel the country house sitting for DOLers LOL I think that would be an excellent business venture KC! I'd certainly be on board :laugh: I have used Happy House Sitters a number of times and they have been fantastic! They are free and stay in your home while you are away. The people we used came to meet us and our menagerie a couple of of times first to make sure that all went well. Oooh I looked this up but I'm a little puzzled as to why it's free. Are the people who volunteer usually retirees/students? Ask your vet nurse :) Wow, really? I didn't even think of that. A vet nurse would definitely be ideal! Hmmm might ask them next time we have an appointment, our vet is literally a 4 minute drive from our place so it would be easy for them to pop home to check on the doggies... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepper21 Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 It's very common for vet nurses to get asked to help out with dog minding (especially with diabetic dogs/cats). I've been asked a few times and the only reason I decline is because I have my own animals to take care of :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ams Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Some people do pet sitting for free as it is like a mini holiday. Someone else's place, etc. I know of couples who pet sit and when they have an infrequent lull and no booking, they go live with the in-laws for a bit. Sure its a transient lifestyle but you experience lots of different places, new people and save money as you are not paying rent or a mortgage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YvonneM Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I am in the same boat - looking for someone to look after Banjo while we are away for 3 weeks in March next year. I usually use a kennel that we have used for many years, but my last experience a few weeks ago was less than stellar. I have registered with Don't Fret Pets - anyone used them? Ideally, like you, I would have someone stay in my home, but understand that may not work for a 3 weeks stretch for someone, so this was my next best option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Ask your vet nurse :) Absolutely I use a vet nurse from my vet hospital. I don't know where in NSW you are hankodie, but could be worth making enquiries. I have also used Happy House Sitters and the couple fitted my requirements to the last letter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I do it and just ask for a donation for Peiradise and some food in the fridge as payment! I love going to someone else's place and living their life for a period of time. For me it is all about the dogs so I don't tend to go anywhere else and I try and follow the same routine they are used to. I think it is a great learning experience for me and because I immerse myself in it I find it quite relaxing. I do take books and music and craft to do while the dogs nap! If needed I also drop off and pick up from airports, make meals for that first night home, visit beforehand, bribe with beautiful treats made by Ams. I'm going to stay somewhere in two weeks and have had several meet ups with the dogs as one was abused and is very distrustful of new peeps and situations. He now lies on his back in front of me for belly rubs! His poor owners have not had a holiday for years simply because they worried about leaving him, so it feels good to help them out. They also have special neighbours who drop notes into their letterbox if one of their dogs even farts next to the shared fence so being there all the time also helps with that situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipsqueak Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Not sure where you are in NSW, but you could try Animal Referral Hosptial... they specialise in boarding for dogs with medical conditions, etc, and I believe that they are open to discussion the requirement for C5 vaccination, depending on the dog's medical condition/health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cazstaff Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I have booked my 5 into Farmer Daves free range lodging at Australian Canine Sports and Training Centre for a week after Christmas. Its killing me! Entrusting anyone with my dogs care is overwhelmingly difficult since loosing Buddy . All the what if's of having my dogs out of my care is horrible. I hate the thought of them locked in a kennel for a week, especially the big ones. My darling old Rocko needs to be able to move around and change position and kennels just don't have the room So the free range lodging seemed a goog idea. Has anyone had any experience of it? I worry about my dogs being attacked by others, I'm assured they are well supervised BUT I just don't know. Farmer Dave Free Range Boarding Hey little gifts you don't fancy a week down my way do you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I'm going to stay somewhere in two weeks and have had several meet ups with the dogs as one was abused and is very distrustful of new peeps and situations. He now lies on his back in front of me for belly rubs! His poor owners have not had a holiday for years simply because they worried about leaving him, so it feels good to help them out. They also have special neighbours who drop notes into their letterbox if one of their dogs even farts next to the shared fence so being there all the time also helps with that situation. That sounds wonderful, LG. A story as to how it all goes when you get back home would be a great addition to the DOL stories ...... please :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hey little gifts you don't fancy a week down my way do you? I reckon that's an excellent idea and there would be plenty of Sydney DOLers who'd love to visit to check up that she is doing the right thing :D :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YvonneM Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hey little gifts you don't fancy a week down my way do you? Great idea .... what are you doing in March next year .... Cazstaff and I are close to each other .... maybe we should co-ordinate our holidays :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I have booked my 5 into Farmer Daves free range lodging at Australian Canine Sports and Training Centre for a week after Christmas. Its killing me! Entrusting anyone with my dogs care is overwhelmingly difficult since loosing Buddy . All the what if's of having my dogs out of my care is horrible. I hate the thought of them locked in a kennel for a week, especially the big ones. My darling old Rocko needs to be able to move around and change position and kennels just don't have the room So the free range lodging seemed a goog idea. Has anyone had any experience of it? I worry about my dogs being attacked by others, I'm assured they are well supervised BUT I just don't know. Farmer Dave Free Range Boarding Hey little gifts you don't fancy a week down my way do you? His secure indivudual runs sound very roomy. I'd never do free range, it sounds like a recipe for disaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hankodie Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hey little gifts you don't fancy a week down my way do you? Great idea .... what are you doing in March next year .... Cazstaff and I are close to each other .... maybe we should co-ordinate our holidays :laugh: I agree, LG do you feel like doing a NSW holiday tour? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I had several Christmas offers but my lovely family (we know I have some not-so-lovely too) will be staying here over Christmas. Plus my sister works long hours over Christmas and New Year and she would run away if left to care for herself, mum and dad, any visitors and three dogs! I'm already taken in March as well - another DOLer. I do love NSW. I was born in Wollongong, have lived here and there in the state and still have family spread out down there. I love dogs - all breeds, sizes, ages and personalities. And I love to go for a bit of a drive, so there are loads of benefits to doing this for me! You also get to meet some lovely/cool people! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YvonneM Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 I had several Christmas offers but my lovely family (we know I have some not-so-lovely too) will be staying here over Christmas. Plus my sister works long hours over Christmas and New Year and she would run away if left to care for herself, mum and dad, any visitors and three dogs! I'm already taken in March as well - another DOLer. I do love NSW. I was born in Wollongong, have lived here and there in the state and still have family spread out down there. I love dogs - all breeds, sizes, ages and personalities. And I love to go for a bit of a drive, so there are loads of benefits to doing this for me! You also get to meet some lovely/cool people! Darn it!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now