Temporarily Rehoming a dog...

LDO

Just after a little bit of advice...

Our new-build has been delayed so we'll shortly be moving in with the in laws for anything up to 8 months. Unfortunately, our dog can't come, as mother in law is allergic and suffers badly when he is around. It's a dilemma, because we don't know what to do with our lovely dog who doesn't deserve any of this.

Renting isn't an option as rent prices here are astronomical and very few short term rentals allow pets.

Family and friends are an option but none are dog lovers and I feel his quality of life would be poor in their care.

Does anybody know of any long term boarding facilities for dogs, preferably I home. Or does anyone have any ideas of where our dog could go?

All help appreciated.

Chris

krlyr

I would speak to some regular boarding kennels and see if they cater for long-term customers. I volunteered for a rescue that used kennels and I know they had a block for the longer term kenneled dogs that were pending court cases - slightly different scenario but they're still dogs that often require kenneling for months rather than weeks.

Another option would be asking a rescue if they can help find a temporary foster home, or trying to arrange something yourself. I would say use this approach with care - you'll need to establish very solidly that it is just a temporary situation, you don't want someone falling for your dog within those 8 months and refusing to return it!

Are there any friends or family near enough that they could manage the basic care, with you visiting daily to provide the walks, training, etc. you feel it may miss out on? Or if you're not local, you could perhaps employ a dog walker (you can find trainers who offer training walks, too - so regular training given on their walks) to pop in daily/on a frequent basis?

Alternatively, does the MIL's house have room in the garden for a kennel? Not the ideal time of year for it, but you could insulate it well and perhaps put a greenhouse heater out there. Or have you tried any of the allergy products available, like Petalcleanse?

elsien

The problem with home boarding (aside from them not wanting to give the dog back!) is likely to be the cost. I paid £20 a day for mutt.
That was for 2 or 3 weeks for holidays, but up to 8 months is a heck of a commitment - what if they want to go away, for example. Plus there's no real incentive for a long term discount if the fosterer can get the full whack for having dogs a week or two at a time and flexibility in between times.

Pthree

Either a fantastic or totally stupid idea but..............

Might it be worth trying an plea on facebook, its just that as I cant have a dog due to long hours at work, if I thought I could do someone a favour by having theirs for a few weeks as long as they could pop by and walk it if I was stuck, I would jump at the chance.

If you do it on FB chances are you will know them or someone who can vouch for them

LDO

Thanks all. Long term kennels are an option we're exploring. We've been told about one nearby that is ok with you turning up to take dog out for a few hours. Not cheap at £9 per day. Would cost approx £250 a month. Doable but expensive - but it means we get to keep our boy.

MIL's garden big enough for a kennel but dog is not used to living outdoors. I think he would be frightened, and if it was bad weather its doubtful he'd be allowed in the house.

Have asked on Facebook and have got a few lines of enquiry, so thanks for that

pawsies

Is he purebred? If so contact some breed rescues who may have foster carers lined up?