I hate to put my dog in a kennel but, (Fort Myers: fit in, coupon)

[rikoshaprl]

My dog is 22 lbs so can't fly with us when we travel. When we can drive we always take her. Last time we left her with a woman that watches pets in her home in CC and when we returned our dog had a lame paw. It took two months before she recovered. We need to leave her somewhere safe and comfortable. Maybe a kennel is better than a private homeowner. Anyone have suggestions?

[GRNDHOG]

We've used Academy Kennels (near Page Field) many times and have always been pleased with the service.

heck, when we take our English Bulldog she walks in through the door and goes straight behind the counter and towards the back. We kind of laugh because she doesn't even hesitate nor "say goodbye"

Home

[Izmack]

Riko, we have 3 dogs. I use a petsitting service. They come in 3 times per day and walk / hang out with the dogs. It's a little pricier ($20 per visit) but since we have 3 of them, it's comparable to kenneling.

I just love this woman and trust her completely. The dogs appear to like her, too. She's very active in the community, too, for animal-related causes. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you her contact info.

[sfitzger14750]

I'm back in Pittsburgh for the spring and summer but heck - I would watch your dog for nothing. I love dogs and my yellow lab is always looking for a friend to share her fenced in back yard with.

[rikoshaprl]

Hog- We will take a look at Academy. It is on the way to the airport. Thanks.
Iz- $60 a day would be too much for us with only one little dog, but TY!
Fitz- You are very kind to offer! You gave me an idea to maybe use a neighbor.

[monikac21]

I have 3 German Shepherds and when we travel we use AAS von Tente Kennel in North Fort Myers. They are on 5 fenced in Acres. Also the Kennels are large and each kennel has its own fenced in yard with a doggy door to get in and out. But they still let the dogs run on the larger property outside the actual Kennel area. They care about the dogs they are boarding. They are also there 24/7 and the dogs are never alone. they have cameras in the Kennels and watch the dogs constantly.

[dualie]

Back home, in my past life, I ran a Doggie B&B. We weren't large scale, only kept about 12 dogs at a time. Each dog had his own room which was 10 x 12, carpeted with a couch. We did specialize in dogs who played well with others so they could intermingle and entertain each other during their stay. It was a fun business and taking care of the dogs enjoyable, for the most part.

Some dogs have an amazing ability of finding ways to bang themselves up. Sometimes no matter what you do, how careful you are a dog will get injured. They might paw at a gate and catch a paw, they might take a run in the yard and pull a muscle, or jump off the couch wrong, or, or, or.

Some dogs won't eat, poop, pee or interact with people or the other dogs. Some dogs love everyone and fit in right from the git go. From the moment they arrived, they were my new best friend. Some dogs are great to take care of, some a royal pain in the butt! Some dogs did very well in our type of facility, others needed to be kept at a "kennel" with concrete and chain link for their safety. Those dogs owners were told that in the most polite terms we could muster and were not invited back.

Pet sitters can be great IF they are knowledgeable about a whole multitude of dog things. Can they tell when a minor tummy upset is serious enough to warrant a trip to the Vet? Do they know first aid? If the dog is going to their home do they have good secure fencing, do they have somewhere to keep the pet so they cannot escape? Do they have a good working relationship with a local Vet? All things you need to be sure of. Loving dogs isn't enough...

Our first responsibility was to do our very best to keep your pet safe and healthy, then as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Sometimes I miss it.... but it was a LOT of work and responsibility!
Dualie

[rikoshaprl]

Originally Posted by monikac21

I have 3 German Shepherds and when we travel we use AAS von Tente Kennel in North Fort Myers. They are on 5 fenced in Acres. Also the Kennels are large and each kennel has its own fenced in yard with a doggy door to get in and out. But they still let the dogs run on the larger property outside the actual Kennel area. They care about the dogs they are boarding. They are also there 24/7 and the dogs are never alone. they have cameras in the Kennels and watch the dogs constantly.

Sounds good. Thanks Monika.

[Donna-501]

Originally Posted by rikoshaprl

Hog- We will take a look at Academy. It is on the way to the airport. Thanks.
Iz- $60 a day would be too much for us with only one little dog, but TY!
Fitz- You are very kind to offer! You gave me an idea to maybe use a neighbor.

You may want to see if there is a teenager around that may want to do it. My girls dog sit for a few people that go on vacation.

I use to use my neighbor and would give her $20 a day plus a nice gift. She would come over a few times a day and stay with him for a while.

[crystaljdecker]

Pet Coral off of Delprado is popular pet kennel. Sometimes they have specials and I have even seen a coupon for a free day so you can try their facility.