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Hello,
I will be going out of town for 2 months, and don't have anyone to watch my dog. The normal place I have my dog boarded is around $14 a day, and I can't afford that.
I would like to know if there are other options I am not aware of.
Have you considered a house/dog sitter? Is there a friend or family member who you trust to care for your dog at their home?
I used a house sitter. It was someone I knew well and the circumstances were perfect. There were some things I was unhappy about, but, by far, it was the best alternative compared to boarding my 2 dogs for a long period. But I was away longer than you plan to be. If you want to consider a house-sitter, select carefully, get references and be explicit in rules and expectations.
Good luck.
And, unless you know this person really, really well, don't be shy about letting the dog sitter know you will be sending someone in to check perodically. This way, you have the peace of mind knowing there is a double check on the care of your dogs and the dog sitter is aware someone will be coming into the home.
NOt sure of your dog's breed of if it is a mix but if it's a purebred, would suggest contacting a local breed rescue there and seeing they'd foster the dog for that time and if they'd be willing to work w/ you as far as price etc, would make sure they sign something that the dog will be going back to you at a certain date and you're willing to pay $xx.xx (amount agreed upon).
The kennel where I take my dogs has a monthly option. For two dogs (the two I had when I had to move while my house was being built) it would have been $1,000/month.
I ended up sharing a house full of animals with a nasty woman dog groomer. Paid $600/month for me and the two dogs. It was a very long eight months. But I would have paid the $1,000/month if it really came down to that. I almost had a free place to live, and would have paid to board them (and visited a lot). Lost the free place.
Someone from church? A mother living w/adult children that might be happy to be by herslef for a while? A responsible college student who would love to be in a house by themselves?
NOt sure of your dog's breed of if it is a mix but if it's a purebred, would suggest contacting a local breed rescue there and seeing they'd foster the dog for that time and if they'd be willing to work w/ you as far as price etc, would make sure they sign something that the dog will be going back to you at a certain date and you're willing to pay $xx.xx (amount agreed upon).
I agree, there are a couple things you can do. Talk to your vet about reputable pet sitters and ask them about reputable rescue organizations. I foster dogs for a rescue organization but have also taken in boarders for the cost of food basically - I took in a couple's two dogs for $25 a week for both because they are little. I have experience introducing strange dogs and keeping them apart if needed and I never cage them unless it's to protect a dog. In this environment your dog will be nervous for a few days to a week but gets to run and play and essentially live in a normal environment in a home with an experienced person. So, a rescue organization may give you some people who also take in boarders. Find out, if the dogs are caged how long they will be and let the person know if they are or are not used to it. I work at home so I can leave them run free most of the day. Make sure you discuss emergencies and where and what vet you want them to go to in the event something comes up.
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