2020 is here and a new decade is upon us, but in the middle of the Festive swing, work, travel and family commitments can all get in the way of being the best doggy parent possible. Sometimes it’s necessary to leave your dog alone for a period of time. But no matter – in these situations, dog boarding is a great solution.





What is dog boarding?
Dog boarding facilities are set up to give your dog a comfortable space to live in when their owners need to head away from home.





Here at Under One Woof, we’ve been operating dog boarding facilities for more than a decade. Simply leave your dog in our care and get peace of mind that they’re in capable hands. Our 4,000 square foot open play area is tailor-made for dogs that need plenty of exercise, and we ensure all animals adhere to a set schedule, so they know what to expect each day.





We always make sure to integrate new dogs into the fold in a responsible, carefully-considered way, and work with the animals to get over any separation anxiety they might have.





Dogs that are over seven months of age must be neutered/spayed to ensure harmony in the group.





In short, dog boarding presents a flexible solution for parents who can’t attend to their dog – whatever the reason. Personalized, professional care is our specialty.





Here’s how to choose a good dog sitter
That said, if for whatever reason dog boarding isn’t an option for you, you’ll need to get a dog sitter – someone who enters your home and directly looks after your animal in your absence.





Bringing a stranger into your house is never an easy decision, and there are a few golden rules to keep in mind before taking the plunge.





Get recommendations from friends
Word of mouth works wonders for finding someone that’s right for your home and your dog. If your friends aren’t dog owners, speak to someone who works at your local dog store, and ask them for a recommendation. Failing that, consult online directories and check reviews to ascertain you’re getting someone reputable.





Bring the sitter over before you head away
It’s a mistake to leave and have a complete stranger fill the void in your absence. Instead, invite the potential sitter over to your home before the time. That way you can gauge their personality, and have them interact with the dog they’ll be caring for. While you’re at it, ask them plenty of questions. It should be your goal to get a feel for their personality before you head away.





Licensed, insured and bonded
Licensed. Insured. Bonded. Three golden words. Sitters should be licensed, covered by insurance, and bonded in the event you need to make a claim against them. Failing this, the risk is on you in the event something in the house gets broken or damaged.





Interview a few candidates
Choice is everything, so don’t be afraid to interview more than one sitter. Ask plenty of questions of them and take note of how your dog acts around them. Be clear about the length of time you’ll be away, what you’d like your dog to be doing, and how much you’re willing to pay. In certain cases you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate.





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