Chapter 8
FUN AND GAMES ON THE ROAD
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79. I WANT TO GO ON VACATION WITH MY DOG. WHAT’S THE BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?
RV or motor home. I never thought I’d write those words in a travel advice context, but if you’re vacationing with family or friends, it’s a great canine conveyance.
I saw the error of my snobbish ways when my friends Linda and Daniela bought an RV for their two-dog household. They came back from their first trip, to the California coast, raving about the experience.81 They never had to worry about finding dog-friendly lodgings or coordinating bathroom and food stops for people and pooches.82 And they always had easy access to hiking trails and other outdoorsy attractions. I’m not suggesting that you necessarily go out and invest in your own gas guzzler (Linda and Daniela are otherwise very green, honest), but depending on fuel prices and your city of residence, renting one might be cost effective as well as convenient.
Because buses and trains are not an option—except if you go with a charter; see the following question—your next best bet is car travel, which I’ll discuss in question 80.
Planes? Unless you have a dog small enough to take into the cabin, don’t mind traveling separately from your pup,83 or can afford a charter (see question 80), air travel is a bad idea. The pressure and temperature in the hold vary, making a noisy, noxious (think inhaling jet fuel fumes), and already terrifying experience even more terrifying and uncomfortable. And dogs can’t even take chill pills. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, sedatives and tranquilizers can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems at increased altitudes. They can also mess up your dog’s equilibrium—which means she can’t brace herself when her carrier is moved. And who wants a dizzy dog?
Even in the cabin, dogs with pushed-in faces, such as Pugs, are at an increased risk for breathing and heart problems. And because the carrier must fit under your seat—your dog won’t be comfortable in the overhead baggage bins, the contents of which may shift—that limits the size of your accompanying dog. At 11 pounds and normally nosed, Frankie would be a good flight candidate but so far, I haven’t attempted it; I’m afraid he would balk at removing his shoes and taking everything out of his pockets for the security check.
That said, I know a lot of people and small dogs who travel happily together. Indeed petite pups are such popular flight companions that JetBlue recently initiated a JetPaws program (www.jetblue.com/jetpaws), with, naturally, a line of jet-friendly accessories. Even if you’re not on the airline’s route, log on to the website for useful information on pet jetsetting, including the required documentation. Other airlines usually embed information on their carry-on canine policy somewhere on their websites. Make sure you verify that policy, including all fees (JetBlue, for example, charges $100 each way per doggy passenger) by phone well in advance of your flight and before you make a reservation.
Only one cruise line, Cunard, allows dogs on board, and then only for transatlantic crossings on the flagship Queen Mary 2.
There are a limited number of kennel slots, and getting your dog’s documents approved takes months of advance planning. All in all, canine cruising is only for those who have lots of time and money. But if you fall into that category, why not take your dog to the continent for the grand Smells of Europe tour?
80. IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A DOG TRAVEL AGENT?
Not really (although some Border Collies I know could probably organize trips for themselves and their people). Most of the companies that assist with travel arrangements are geared toward relocations rather than vacations. The closest you’ll come is the Dogtravel Company (www.dogtravelcompany net), which is not a travel agency but a members club for the pup obsessed. The annual membership fee is inexpensive but travel can be pricy because the trains and planes used are all chartered. Still, if you choose a popular route or can gather together a large group, it might not cost all that much to have your Great Dane sitting next to you in the cabin (though I can’t say what kind of leg room you’ll have).
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That’s not to suggest you won’t find plenty of guidance for dog-centric travel. DogFriendly.com (the most comprehensive, with its own line of guides), BringFido.com (the best looking and easiest to navigate but with limited lodging information), and petswelcome.com (in between the two for appearance and utility, but with a good selection of off-beat lodgings) are among the increasing crop of websites that offer destination advice and travel tips along with booking engines for hotels.
81. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAR TRAVEL WITH MY DOG?
Sometimes politicians can be instructive, if only by providing negative examples. You should not, for example, emulate presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who put the family dog, Seamus, into a crate, strapped him to the roof of the station wagon, and drove 12 hours from Boston to Ontario. Romney cited as an example of “emotion-free crisis management” having to hose the excrement produced by the traumatized Seamus off the car’s roof and windows. I suspect this didn’t win him any votes from animal lovers.
Nor, on the other end of the spectrum, should you applaud California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who vetoed a law that would have imposed a fine for driving with a dog in your lap. I have a personal stake in that misguided decision. When I visit my friend Clare in Santa Barbara, her dog, Archie, lounges politely in the back until we approach the beach—at which point he leaps into Clare’s lap and squirms excitedly. Archie is a compact guy, but he’s large enough to obstruct Clare’s vision when he sits upright. Clare won’t listen to me or to her other terrified passengers but—being a lawyer and therefore an officer of the court, as well as an upstanding citizen—she would obey the law if it existed.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
Here are some additional safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind when traveling.
Use restraint(s).
Buckle up for safety, both yours and your pup’s. To those who argue that they don’t want to restrict their dogs’ freedom, I ask, “Would you want him to enjoy the freedom of going through the windshield?” An unrestrained dog can become a projectile if you have to stop short.84
And just because your unsecured dog is out of projectile range of your windshield, that doesn’t mean she’s safe from injury. It’s very dangerous to let a dog ride in the open bed of a pickup truck. Approximately 100,000 dogs die every year from falling or jumping out of pickups and countless more are injured.
And untethered dogs pose not only safety issues but legal and economic ones. Many states have passed variations of the law in Washington, where it’s a misdemeanor to “willfully transport or confine … any domestic animal … in a manner, posture or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public.” (Some laws specify that this includes having a dog in the back of a pickup truck.) Accordingly, if your unsecured dog causes an accident, your insurance is rendered invalid under many policies. And even if the accident is the other driver’s fault, your vet bills won’t be paid if your dog wasn’t properly restrained.85
You’ll achieve the best dog security with a harness—never, ever, a collar—hooked to the car’s back seat belt. A regular harness will work in a pinch—pinch being the operative word—but the ones designed especially for travel have padding that insulates your dog against pressure caused by a sudden stop. The top models also have hooking mechanisms that let your dog move—though not too much—and are easy to click open and shut. See the “Product Reviews” section of AgilePooch.com for a travel halter comparison.
If your dog weighs fewer than 20 pounds, consider a booster seat, similar to the kiddie version. A pup that can gaze out the window is less likely to get bored or carsick (see the following).
Secured travel crates are another option, but even crate-trained dogs don’t always respond well to being cooped up in a moving vehicle without being able to see where they’re going. Some people use barriers that prevent their dogs from invading their personal driving space, but these are tough to fit all cars and all dogs; some pups manage to get past everything but steel. Nor do barriers prevent dangerous jostling; a high-speed collision could put your dog in jeopardy if he hits a heavy wall.
Don’t leave your dog unattended inside the car when it’s hot or cold outside.
The former is far more dangerous than the latter because cars (and dogs) heat up more quickly than they cool off: when there’s no breeze, it can take only a minute or so for a car to reach a fatal temperature, even if you crack open the window. Dogs don’t have efficient self-cooling systems.
This sounds like a simple rule to observe—unless you’re female and traveling solo. One summer, en route from Tucson to southern California, I needed to pee desperately. After driving for miles through the desert, I finally came to a gas station and convenience store. According to the big thermometer display, the mercury had hit 110°F.
I looked around outside. No bathrooms. Damn. They must be in the store. Hoping to pass him off as couture, I put Frankie into a tasteful leopard-print carrier and went in. We were stopped immediately by the clerk, who said that, because the store sold food, Frankie was a health violation. (Have you ever eaten a convenience store burrito? Now there’s a health violation.) I explained that if I peed outside the front door it would also be a violation—one that the clerk would have to mop up. The crazy lady alert went off, and Frankie was permitted to stay with me. As I drove away relieved, I contemplated how unfair it is that women can’t share the public urination experience with their dogs. I’m certain it’s a source of man-and-dog bonding.
Don’t drive with your dog’s head out the window.
I know it looks cute, especially if you have a dog with ears that flop in the breeze. But flying objects and idiot drivers who pass too close can pose dangers; so can soot and smaller particles that may fly into your dog’s eyes and ears. Leave the windows open wide enough for your dog to have air so he can sniff to his heart’s content—but not enough to get his head through.
ADDITIONAL COMFORT TIPS
Comfort is the key to keeping a traveling dog happy.
Don’t let sleeping dogs lie.
Your dog may be snoozing comfortably—and then wake up and decide she has to make a pit stop at an inconvenient time. Stop every few hours to let your dog stretch her legs and conduct her business. As with humans, hydration and healthy snacks are a good idea, too. Skip the squeaky toys, though. They can drive you to distraction.
Nix the nausea.
Sure, many dogs are eager to hit the road as soon as they hear the sound of rattling car keys, but as many as one in four experience car discomfort because of fear or inner ear imbalance. Frankie (naturally) falls into the first category: he shakes, salivates, and stands upright in his harness for hours, on red alert, if he’s not sedated. I tried everything: taking him on short trips to nice places (as opposed to the vet); keeping the window open rather than using the A/C; buying a booster seat so he could look out; even playing soothing music (which I hated, so maybe he picked up the bad vibes). His comparative serenity in the midsize car I rented when my Hyundai was in the shop made me wonder if Frankie just needs a smoother ride, but I draw the line at buying an Escalade for him.86
And I’m lucky. Frankie doesn’t throw up out of nervousness, as some dogs do. The lingering smell of dog vomit in the backseat can really put a crimp in a vacation.
But don’t let motion commotion make you abandon the idea of traveling with your dog. You just have to find out what works for her—beforehand. In particular, experiment with rations. One recommendation is to feed your dog less than half of what you normally would, and not immediately before you leave. Snacks along the road should suffice until you reach your destination.
Some puppies outgrow carsickness. Some respond to desensitization programs. For others, it’s as simple as better temperature control, raising your dog so she can look out, or keeping her from looking out. That’s what I mean. Because your dog can’t tell you precisely what’s causing the problem, you need to try all kinds of different solutions.
That’s especially true with meds. Some people swear by botanicals like Rescue Remedy, and my friend Clare says that lavender oil—but only the pure variety—calms her Archie successfully. Neither did a thing for Frankie. The vet suggested azepromine (Ace), but I discovered that it just masks the symptoms, leaving your dog still fearful but immobilized. Dramamine didn’t work at the vet’s recommended dosage; neither did Benadryl. I had the best results, finally, with Valium, although it initially turned Frankie into a little love machine. He licked my face with great abandon before settling in to enjoy—well, not hate—the ride.
Cerenia, a drug developed expressly to prevent vomiting in dogs, was approved by the FDA in 2007. It’s expensive, and the jury is still out on whether it’s effective and/or has side effects. Do some research if you decide to try it.
82. WHAT SHOULD I BRING ALONG ON A VACATION WITH MY DOG?
Airline baggage restrictions—and surcharges—are more reasons for you to travel by car. If you’ve got limited trunk space, you can even strap stuff on the roof (except for your dog; see previous question).
You’ll have two prime goals in packing: to replicate the comforts of home for your dog, and to keep her from getting lost and/or in trouble. A secondary goal is to avoid losing any security deposit you might have put down for a hotel room.
To those ends, bring the following items along on your trip.
NOURISHMENT
If you don’t think you can find it on the road or in your destination, pack the same brand of food your dog normally eats, including his favorite treats. This will not only help provide a sense of continuity but prevent stomach upset. Assuming you don’t want to carry containers with your local tap water, take or buy bottled water. Your dog may be used to the specific mix of noxious chemicals that your city’s water supply provides and react badly to new ones.
Don’t forget food and water bowls if you’re not going to a hotel that provides them. You don’t have to schlep your dog’s personal raku bowl, unless he’s really spoiled and refuses to eat from any other. For the nonpicky pup, easy-to-tote travel substitutes are fine.
SHELTER AND REST
This is one reason crate training is so useful: some hotels won’t allow your dog to be left alone in a room if he’s not crated—which creates problems if, say, you want to go out to dinner and your hotel doesn’t have a pet sitting service (or if you don’t want to shell out the extra money for one). A dog that loves his faux den will be happy to have a safe retreat in unfamiliar surroundings. If his usual crate isn’t easily transportable, get your dog accustomed to a travel crate before you go.
Many upscale hotels provide pet beds, some of which are pretty darn cute (and are—surprise, surprise—for sale). I have never seen one yet, however, that Frankie was interested in, unless I placed it next to me on my bed, which pretty much defeats the hotel’s purpose, i.e., to exile your dog to the floor. But again, it’s a question of personal canine preference. You might need to take your dog’s bed along as a security blanket—or simply allow him to hog your actual blanket, just like he does at home.
ENTERTAINMENT
Make sure to take along some of your dog’s favorite playthings—especially chew toys, if you need to divert her from the hotel’s yummy furniture. But don’t include anything that’s impossible to replace; things may get pushed under the bed and left behind. Again, I speak from experience. I’ve discovered that the hotel staff doesn’t tend to dispatch drooly objects to lost-and-found for guest retrieval.
CLEANER-UPPERS
Here’s the part where wanting not to pay a security deposit or offend your hosts, even if they’re family, come in. Bring along old towels to wipe your pup’s paws when you come in from outdoors, and some old sheets to put down on the furniture in case your dog likes to lounge on it, shedding happily and obliviously.
I’m not sure how many people take their dogs with them on business trips—at least on business trips that require them to look spiffy—but if you’re among them, don’t forget your lint and hair remover.
Finally, I don’t have to tell you again to take along bags to collect your pooch’s poop, do I?
HEALTH AND EMERGENCIES
Be sure you’ve got any medications your dog needs, or may need—and a cooler to keep them in, in case your hotel doesn’t come equipped with a fridge.87
If you live with a large escape artist, this might be the time to consider a GPS collar (they’re usually too heavy for small dogs, who are easier to keep hold of in any case). Even mellow dogs run off at rest stops—whether out of the fear that you’re driving them to a new home, or a sense of adventure, or … who knows? At the least, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with your cell phone information on it. Affixing a tag with your destination data couldn’t hurt either. Sometimes dogs manage to slip their collars, so before you leave, be sure to update your dog’s microchip with your current contact information and any health issues you need the person who locates him to be aware of (in my case, Frankie’s diabetes).
That first aid kit that’s been gathering dust in your dog’s toy chest? Take it along. You never know. That’s true of shot certifications, too. If your normally calm pup takes a skin-breaking nip out of someone, you want everyone to know his rabies shots are up to date. Hotels that have pet care facilities may require proof of vaccination(s) in any case.
83. WHICH LODGINGS ARE LIKELY TO WELCOME MY DOG (AND ME)?
The hospitality industry has discovered that being dog friendly is smart business. Canine acceptance has become common, in spite—or, perhaps, because—of the economic downturn. It makes sense to do whatever you can to fill beds, even if it means filling them with furry bodies.
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As a result, you’ve got a vast number of choices of places to stay, from posh resorts with exclusive dog amenities to rustic, activity-oriented camps devoted entirely to pooches and their people. I’ve broken them down into some basic categories, outlining what you can expect when you stay there. In all cases, be sure to check and recheck the pet policies when you make reservations, and confirm that your dog fits the size/ weight limits.
UTILITARIAN
Many standard motel chains—among them, Best Western, Comfort Inn, La Quinta, Holiday Inn, Inn and Out Burgers,88 Motel 6, Quality Inn, Residence Inn, Red Roof Inn—allow guests to bring at least one “well-behaved family pet” (as opposed to one ill-tempered circus lion?). Charges vary from the vague “liable for any damages” to nonrefundable fees that run as high as $100 per stay.
Some motels put a limit on the size and number of dogs you can bring in; many do not. Among the odder formulations I came across is one that states, “Dogs up to 75 pounds are allowed for an additional one time pet fee of $75 per room. There may be one dog up to 75 pounds or two dogs that total 75 pounds per room.” Anyone who thinks that one laid back English Mastiff will cause more ruckus than two Jack Russell Terriers, doesn’t know, well, jack about dogs.
As you might imagine, no special amenities are offered in dog-friendly motel chains. If you’re lucky, you won’t get stuck in a smoking room. I understand that cleaning and allergies are an issue, but (most) dogs don’t stink nearly as much as stale cigarettes.
You’re required to note the presence of your dogs on the online reservation forms. However, I suspect that some motel desk clerks wouldn’t know or care if you brought in a menagerie, including that circus lion, if you turn up off-season and lots of rooms are available. One summer Clare and I and Frankie and Archie needed a place to stay in Palm Springs.89 The clerk at the Motel 6 we found seemed bored when I mentioned that we had two small dogs with us—and probably would have been equally uninterested if I had said “two small male hookers.”
RUSTIC/NATURAL
Those who literally want to sleep in a pup tent—and don’t underestimate a dog’s body heat, for better and for worse—have a lot of options open to them. Many campgrounds are dog friendly, with special dedicated pet areas, suggested hiking trails, and so on.
Cabins and cottages are an excellent alternative for those who, as I do, prefer a firmer barrier between themselves and the great outdoors. Indoor bathrooms put me in a far better state of mind for appreciating nature—which remains easily accessible to Frankie. Some of these lodgings are pretty upscale. Frankie and I particularly enjoyed the luxe cottages at L’Auberge de Sedona, set in a lovely wooded area of Sedona with the proverbial burbling creek.
HOMEY
Frankie doesn’t like to interact with strangers first thing in the morning and, being diabetic, can’t take advantage of the lavish morning meals that are part of the bed and breakfast experience. He also worries about getting a dewclaw caught on a lace antimacassar. But Frankie has a tendency toward stereotyping. The B&Bs that accept dogs are not usually of the frou-frou variety and are often in beautiful settings. And you can expect a lot of personalized advice about local pup-friendly places.
LUXE
This is the category I know best—not because I was ever rich but because, as a travel writer, I got comped at some pretty hoo-hah places, and Frankie happily freeloaded whenever he could. Most of the hotels and resorts we visited were within easy driving distance of Tucson because I was researching Arizona for Dummies, but we ventured as far as California to meet Clare and Archie, and were treated like celebrities at Le Merigot in Santa Monica (great beach location and excellent gift bags—just what you would expect from a hotel near Hollywood).
With Frankie weighing in at a svelte 11 pounds, he and I were able to stay at many places that limit their pups to 20 (sometimes 25) pounds or less.90 However, a number of upscale chains, including Loews, Kimpton, and Sofitel are not sizeist (if your dog weighs fewer than 80 pounds you’re okay at Sheratons, too). Most require nonrefundable deposits or daily “cleaning” fees, some quite hefty. You will also have to sign a liability form, promising—well, lots of things, such as never to leave your dog alone in the room and never to let her use the hotel pool (even though dogs are far less likely than children to pee in the water).91
In addition to dog walking and sitting services (for an extra fee, naturally), some of the perks you’re likely to encounter at high-end resorts and hotels include …
Information
You can almost certainly depend on getting a packet detailing local dog facilities, from maps to nearby parks to lists of veterinarians and dog-friendly restaurants. Sometimes you’ll also encounter a pet concierge—human or canine. Consider, for example, Luke, the rescued Yellow Lab who holds that position at the Fairmont San Antonio. He isn’t very good at restaurant recommendations—he thinks dogs should be able to eat everywhere and sample everything on the menu—but he provides a friendly doggy welcome to all members of his species and their humans who check into his hotel.
Amenities
As I mentioned earlier, you’ll often find a dog bed (everything from a large pillow to the snug form-fitting kind) in your hotel room. Dog bowls and mats are usually provided, too. The beds are generally yours for a price; the bowls may or may not be intended for transport; and anything personalized—usually just mats—is unambiguously yours. When in doubt, ask, lest you find a surprise on your credit card tab.
Always yours to take home are the goodie bags you’re likely to receive. Frankie has been gifted with everything from a dog-sized backpack—replete with foldable bowls for the hiking trail (Frankie said no thanks, I’m not a Sherpa)—and squeaky toys to a DVD of My Dog Skip. Biscuits from a local dog bakery are frequently included92 and, almost invariably, small plastic bags. I’m happy to have them; I just don’t like the fact that these not-so-subtle hints that you’re expected to clean up after your pup are labeled luxury amenities.93 Moreover, sometimes they’re pink and scented, which doubly offends me, because Frankie is male and his poop doesn’t stink.
Room service
Various combinations of meat, fish, brown rice, eggs, and veggies labeled with clever, dog-related names are often available to be delivered to your door. Usually the meat is ground beef or grilled chicken, but some places, such as the Peninsula Beverly Hills, highlight such items as “Spot’s New York Strip, a juicy 8 oz. grilled steak served sliced and garnished with baby carrots ($19).” I have been known to order food “for Frankie” and eat most of it. Hey, Frankie can’t down a half-pound steak, and I’m not going to find one on a human room service menu for less than 20 bucks.
Some hotels also offer “premium” brand dog foods that would never pass Frankie’s lips. I suggest you BYOK (bring your own kibble) if your pooch is accustomed to dining on pellets.
Activities
Just because your dog is on vacation doesn’t mean she can’t get an education. At the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, for example, you can get a certified dog trainer to work with you (and your dog) on correcting behavior issues. Group classes are also offered at several places.
Want to mingle with other dogs and their traveling companions? Yappy hours such as the one at the Hotel Monaco Alexandra let pups and their people meet and greet with species-appropriate beverages and snacks.
Spa/grooming services
Not only are many hotels teaming up with grooming businesses for pup primping; some even offer in-room94 spa services such as massages.
Frankie was treated to a massage at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort near Phoenix. He initially went along with the program, albeit reluctantly, allowing his little limbs to be stretched and his flank to be kneaded, but he refused to turn over to let the massage therapist work on the other side. I don’t think he’s likely to recommend the treatment to his pup pals.
Assorted
My two favorite perks don’t involve pampering, just simple but inspired concepts. At the Kimpton Hotels—the one I visited was FireSky in Scottsdale—your dog’s name is posted on a chalkboard at the property entryway. Imagine how proud Frankie felt to see his name prominently displayed every time we came in!
And if you check into the Fairmont Washington, D.C., with a dog (or, to be fair, a cat), the hotel will donate 5 percent of the room rate to the Washington Animal Rescue League. It’s too bad only dogs smaller than 20 pounds are permitted, thus limiting the largesse, but it’s still a terrific reminder that dogs don’t need massages and pedicures; they just need a good home.
ALL DOG, ALL THE TIME
Want to optimize the time spent with your dog and vacation with other people who are equally canine crazy? Consider a retreat where dog attendance is obligatory. These getaways, with names such as Camp Gone to the Dogs, Paws and Pals, Camp Barking Hills, or Camp Winnaribbun, may offer dorm rooms or rustic cabins where both you and your dog bunk; in some cases, nearby accommodations are arranged. Activities might include agility trials, swimming lessons, lectures on dog communication … even instructions in dog-hair spinning. Typically, these camps are limited—perhaps two weeklong sessions a year or selected weekends. For a full listing with details, see www.dogplay.com/Activities/camps.html.
Note: Not all dogs are happy campers. Think carefully about whether your dog would be well-suited for a lot of social activity.
84. WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO LEAVE MY DOG IF I CAN’T TAKE HIM WITH ME?
If you have family or friends who are willing to take your dog in, and a dog who’s willing to stay with them, you’ve got it made. Not only do you get free dogsitting, but anyone who agrees to care for your pup is probably close enough to you (or owes you enough) to put up with you calling several times a day and asking to put your pooch on the phone. Don’t forget to bring back gifts for the caretakers as well as for your dog.
Similarly, if you’ve successfully arranged play dates through dog networks, a longer vacation exchange might be worth trying. And most doggie daycare centers offer overnight boarding. See question 76 for details about both.
But there are dogs—and, yes, I’m talking about Frankie again—who don’t like to leave home. They’re stressed enough that you’re going away; mess with their lives any more and they’re over the top. This is where dogsitters come in.
You’ll find them the same way as you’ll find doggie daycare centers and dog walkers: referrals from friends, dog park acquaintances, vets, organizations such as The Pet Sitting Directory (www.petsittingdirectory.com) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org), and … well, you never know. I found one great dogsitter through a local chef that I’m friendly with. He’d asked me where I’d been traveling lately, and when I told him I hadn’t really gone anywhere since Frankie was diagnosed with diabetes, he suggested I try Linda, his former pastry chef, who had started a dog-sitting business. I tend to trust people who know how to make desserts (and are insured and bonded). Sure enough, Linda was terrific with Frankie and his shots.
When Linda wasn’t available, I called my vet’s office and discovered that Sarah, one of the receptionists, had just started a dog-sitting business. Frankie was fond of her, and Sarah had the three vets in the practice on speed dial. What more could you ask for? Oh yes, communication: both Linda and Sarah e-mailed me with a Frankie status report at least once a day, often more.
In a typical arrangement, the dogsitter will stay overnight and feed and walk your dog in the morning and evening. Unless you pay extra for the sitter to check in, your dog is generally on her own during the day. Again, fees range by location—and expertise. I used to pay $25 for a college student to hang out with Frankie but when insulin shots got involved, the rates rose (I’ve paid from $40 to $65). Expect prices to go up commensurately in major metropolitan areas, but resist offers to exchange a stay in your conveniently located Manhattan or San Francisco apartment for free dog care—unless, of course, the offerer falls into the trusted family or friends category. Your pup might not get the attention she deserves from a sitter looking to enjoy a slice of big city life.