Long holiday

Hi Bugslet

The longest I have 'left' the dogs has been 6 weeks (knee op) but I generally go away for 5 or 6 weeks ( in a block, not in total!!) each year when they stay in kennels.
Both dogs lived in kennels until they were 2 yo when I rehomed them so they are used to the situation and create havoc in the back of the car when they realise where they are going- can't wait to get in there!
It is not a cheap option 'though!

My trips are not as long as you are considering but they are thrilled to go in, and thrilled to come out

I wonder in your situation with 3 dogs how the cost of a dog sitter would pan out? Currently I am paying £8 per dog per night.

I had a Retriever who due to my moving to a new area for work ended up having 15 months in a kennels. They were great, family run and as I worked the full Christmas/ New Year run of shifts took him into their home for the festive period, not cheap but I did visit on my days off.

I wasn't allowed him in my residence. When I eventually found my own place he settled straight back in, so three months being in kennels won't adversely affect your dogs.

We went to USA for 3months. My dogs had been in local kennels before but I wanted them to go where they were experienced with dogs long term rather than 2 weeks at a time.

I chose a kennel who had a quarantine section so were used to long term care and wouldlickup any problems.

The kennels were owned by a vet.

One of my dogs suffered from kennel stress which meant he was losing weight although fed as normal, They had to feed him twice his normal amount.

The kennel maids walked the dogs over the near by hills.

When we came home the dogs settled in as if they had never been away.

They were in great condition physically and mentally.

As Katiehound says you should be able to get a good discount, I initially signed up for 6 months, I was offered a 25% discount, which was increased to 33% once it was clear it would be at least a year, they did offer to train him to the gun as he had such a good grasp of retrieve and was soft mouthed but I declined that, the lady at the kennels cried when he eventually left.

So I would ask for pay for 2 dogs get one free? They may surprise you, especially if it is likely that you may repeat the experience again at a future point?

If you'd be happy to have someone live in your home while you're away you could consider a live in dog sitter. My sister regularly does this and looks after all sorts of different pets while also providing a little security in the house. I think there are probably websites to look into this. But the sitter would be getting free accommodation etc in exchange so it may be a cheaper option. I don't know much about it and my sister does this abroad mostly but thought I'd give it a mention.