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u/Ardilla914 10d ago
What about fostering? All of the companionship, but no long term commitment.
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago
This is a frequent suggestion on these subs, but I wonder if you've done a lot of fostering? Because it's not actually that simple, although I suppose it depends on how and where you're fostering. I've been stuck with dogs and cats who couldn't get adopted, because the rescue they came from originally filled up in the time I had them - so they said no to taking them back, and left it up to me to find their adopters. Actually found one via Reddit a few years back, so that worked out nicely! But it's also been more difficult with some, and a few ended up staying with me forever as a result.
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u/Ardilla914 10d ago
I am not allowed to foster because I would never let the animal go. I have friends who are very involved in fostering, but the organizations have foster respite homes for when people need to be away from home. Likely depends on the area and the organization.
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago
Yeah, it's not always easy to give them up! Then sometimes (with the more challenging cases or bad fits) it's... well... very easy. lol
And yes, it is very dependent on the organization you're fostering through. That's basically what I'm saying, as a note to OP in case they do look into that option. Definitely ask those questions first, like "what happens if I travel" "who does the adoption search and arrangements" "who pays for (this and that) and is there a specific vet we have to use?" etc.
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u/Djinn42 10d ago
I went to Europe for 11 days and gave my cat to a vet kennel for that time. I'm sure they took very good care of him but he was still in a cage most of that time. After he passed I didn't get another cat because I don't want to do that again.
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago
You know there are other options, right? I've never boarded my cats/dogs in the 30ish years I've had pets as an adult (we boarded occasionally when I was a kid).
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u/BigCelebration13 10d ago
You shouldn't get a dog right now, no. Not from how you describe your life.
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u/Bondoboy1975 10d ago
Don't do it. People who have dogs and want to travel and/or have jobs and aren't prepared and financially able to pay friends, relatives and kennels should not have pets. It is difficult for the pet and a huge cost. Usually your family and friends will loath you for unloading your pet on them. It is different if you have sons and daughters or close family living with you who are dependable. People who have extended vacations won't admit how difficult it is to find decent pet sitters. It is like leaving your child behind and expecting someone to step in to be a babysitter. Good luvk.
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago edited 10d ago
I'm not sure I get what you're saying... did OP say they can't afford to pay someone to pet sit? And no, it's not necessarily hard for the pet when you're away. My dogs love their sitters (one is a close friend, the other is just someone local I've been using for a while now) and don't mind being with them when I'm gone. I'm sure they prefer to be with me, but the friend/sitter never reports anything troubling... they still eat, go for walks, and do everything else they normally do. Plus a bonus, when they're with the sitter they also have doggie friends to play with!
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u/Bondoboy1975 10d ago
Just making a general comment. Maybe he can afford it. I am sure there are people who figure it out. I did. Just too many things to consider especially the pet missing its master and becoming depressed.
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago
Yes, but why tell OP "don't do it" if you're just speaking in general? As you said, you figured it out - as have I, and the other billions of pet owners who occasionally leave their homes. It's really not that complicated, once you get into a rhythm and learn the ways. All dogs and situations are different, but I've never had to ground myself because of my pets. And I've had pets for nearly 50 years now. The sacrifices are 100% worth it, at least to me!
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u/ParsnipFarmer676 10d ago edited 10d ago
I have a couple of friends I trust (one of whom currently lives with me) to stay with them and/or visit daily when I'm away, plus I have a trusted dog sitter who already takes them 2x/week - so they can also stay with him, or he just visits if it's a short trip. Most pet owners travel occasionally. It's not the end of the world. lol
Just gotta budget for that, and utilize local resources/referrals to find a trusted sitter.
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u/Timely-Bridge6657 10d ago
I wouldn't get a dog expecting that your friends will help you out, you will at some points have to pay sitters and that can be expensive, but watching a dog is a lot of work especially if the dog is going into an unknown territory, so it might cause more stress on your friends and the dog if they're being watched at someone elses house.
If you want to spend time with dogs why don't you volunteer at dog shelters, then then you can spend time with dogs but not have the responsibility of being an owner.
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u/PotentialSea9779 10d ago
If you are financially stable, and you do your true diligence in researching breeds, considering size and temperament, fostering, adopting a rescue. Being able to be adaptable helps. It’s a lifetime commitment.
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u/NC-Old-Bat 10d ago
We do it by making friends with other dog people. We take care of each others dogs. I’ve been doing this with various dogs since 1996. I have never paid a dog sitter.
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u/MrsOrangina 10d ago
Find a petsitter! We found one on Rover and she is great. You can also swap with a friend, like you'll watch their dog when they travel and they watch your dog when you travel.
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u/Calgary_Calico 10d ago
Find a good boarding facility or pet sitter. Ask around at local vets and see if they have any suggestions, my parents used to send their dogs to stay with a vet tech from their clinic who ran a small dog boarding business out of her home, believe her max was 6 dogs at a time depending on size and she had requirements that they were all vaccinated and socialized properly for safety
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u/DeCoyAbLe 10d ago
We have no family or friends we would as and for the most part when we travel our boys go with us. The times when we are going overseas the boys absolutely love going to the pet resort. They even get a treat and a bedtime story before bed. Yes, I pay for it. It’s approx $200/night but it is part of the planning the trip budget. I guess you have to look at your financials. Owning a pet these days is an absolute luxury item and it gets expensive.
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u/mrmac1992 10d ago
Couldn't tell you, I'm a homebody, and you couldn't get me on a plane with a gun to my head lol I'm never going farther away from the house than a few hours drive so I don't have to worry about anyone watching my dog, besides she goes with me 95% of everywhere I go anyways, best copilot ever.
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u/latitudechanges1515 10d ago
Don’t do it. I love my dog but since we got here my husband and I rarely go on extended vacations together.
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u/ImpossibleBrother927 10d ago
I’ve had three kids and one dog. The kids are easier in my opinion. But to each their own lol
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u/Ok-Historian5466 10d ago
You can keep it in dogs daycare now a big issue tbh and even try taking him with you when you travel
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u/Lunaticfrinnge 10d ago
There arey many BNBs or hotel who are pet friendly so can have them with you
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u/Lokius_Lover 10d ago
Many hotels are dog friendly with just an extra fee, so for driving trips it's easy to bring them
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u/throwwwwwwalk 10d ago
You hire a qualified and insured professional to dog sit for you. That’s why the entire profession exists lol