Home boarder - not sure, would you?

[crapitus]

I'm looking for a new home boarder for my little Jack Russell. The usual people have stopped providing the service so as we are going on holiday for 3 weeks this year I need to find someone who will have my fur baby.

I visited a potential woman boarder with her today. My dog is very, very clingy so as usual she wouldn't leave my side so I'm used to her being a bit withdrawn and unhappy if I go to another house with dogs, she's always settled in the past so that not the issue. The issue I have is the house was absolutely filthy. The lady was lovely, welcoming etc but her house was reeking of dogs. - she had two of her own and neither of them were well behaved. Terriers who raced around on the furniture, climbed onto windowsills, all over me, licking jumping and barking while my little one just got bewildered and growly.

The house though, piles of rubbish, clothing, splashes of mud, muck etc up the walls, the lady was lovely but overwhelmed and looked as though she'd lost control of the home. She said she walked them daily and her reviews are all really good. I know my dog won't worry about what the house is like but it's put me off do much. WWYD? Not many home boarders in my area so can't afford to be too fussy!

[JustCallMeKate]

That would put me off as well tbh and I'd worry while away. I don't mean the messy house, I mean the fact you don't seem 100% sure of the person in your post. My lab won't settle in kennels and we used a new home boarder last year. The house isn't to my standard of cleanliness BUT my dog was perfectly happy and had great fun. I did not Skype my dog every day, oh no I didn't do that For me, you have to be 100% sure of the person caring for your dog when you're away. I'd visit as many boarders as you can until you find one you're happy with.

[BiteyShark]

Go with your gut feeling as if is usually right.

[BiteyShark]

If = it

[Toooldtobearsed]

I had this too. My usual home boarder let me down at quite short notice (not her fault) and i had to find someone quickly.

A friends sister was recommended, had glowing reviews and brilliant references. I took my two labs to meet her. Now, my labs are people lovers, dog lovers, if it breathes they love it. Youngest lab sat by my side and did not move the entire time. So, i said thank you and left.

It was awkward but it was the right decision. Two days later, through a raw feeding forum, i found my forever home boarder. Mad as a box of frogs and seriously over run with rescue dogs, my two adore her and i leave them with her without a backward glance!

Do not use this one. Go with your gut and find someone you are comfortable with. Good luck 😊

[dudsville]

Yup go with your gut. Otherwise you'll fret on holiday. Could a friend take her but you pay for a dog walker ordoggy day care to manage their working hours?

[BigGreenOlives]

Don't use them if you are unhappy. We had serious doubts about a home boarder and in the end my father collected our dog early while we were away (we'd been let down & had to travel).

[LaGattaNera]

Don't! You will fret the whole time if your dog is there - trust your gut. Keeping looking and if necessary, expand your area of search is my advice

[crapitus]

Thanks all, ive cancelled the booking. I know I just wouldn't be happy with my dog going there. DH thinks I'm mad as he says the dog won't care about the state of the house but I think it shows a general lack of control. I came away reeking of dog so I dread to think what my dog would be like after 3 weeks there.
I've now found a lady closer to home (word of mouth is a wonderful thing) so have a meet and greet booked for next week.
Fingers crossed!

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

Good luck OP.
If it doesn't work out, could you consider someone coming into your home, to look after your dog? Also great home security.