For many, the holidays are synonymous with a week away from home, whether that’s to see family or to take a much-needed vacation and soak up some sun. But even as bags are packed (and out-of-office email messages written), many pet owners worry about leaving their furry friends behind.
In Madison, there are plenty of options to make your time away a vacation for your pet, too.
One common option is overnight boarding. At pet hotels, animals are provided with regular feeding hours, companionship from both humans and animals, and plenty of playtime.
“For some dogs, the socialization and play time with other humans and dogs is very healthy,” says Dr. Brian Hoelscher, a veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Verona.
When looking for a place to board your pet, Dr. Hoelscher advises prioritizing clean facilities with an attentive and compassionate staff who can give your pet enough personal care. Boarding away from home can be stressful for pets, and he suggests looking for services with Fear Free certified staff. These professionals have been trained in fear, anxiety and stress in animals and can help ease the transition.
Another way to minimize your pet’s stress surrounding boarding is by acclimating them to the environment beforehand. Many pet boarding facilities offer year-round daycare, so your pet can acclimate to the environment and staff before staying there overnight.
However, overnight boarding isn’t for everyone, particularly if your pet is easily aggravated by loud and hectic environments.
“In-home pet sitting is most ideal as it limits stress and fear,” he says.
Whether your pet thrives in energetic environments or needs in-home, one-on-one care, there are plenty of options around the Madison area for your furriest family member.
Madison’s fan favorites
Looking for a tried, true and peer-reviewed place to book for your pet? These ‘pet resorts’ are the subject of rave reviews across Madison for their attentive care and range of boarding options — from standard kennels to private, luxury suites.
At Camp K9, your pet will have three playtimes per day on the resort’s 7-acre field — the biggest outdoor play yard in Madison. Looking for something a bit more intimate? Purchase a ‘Very Important Pet’ package and treat your pet to one-on-one playtime with trained staff. 4934 Felland Road
Can’t bear the thought of a weekend without a glimpse of your pup? Luxury suites at Ruffin’ It Resort offer raised beds, TVs, sound machines and a live webcam so you can watch them whenever and wherever you want. 635 Struck St.
Choose between four different kinds of boarding for your pup at Waggin’ Tails — from standard kennels with private outdoor run space to their bunkhouse boarding, where your pet can play all day at their daycare and then stay the night curled up with a staff member. 6249 Nesbitt Road
Last-minute lodging
If you still haven’t found a place to board your pet, don’t panic — while most Madison kennels are booked for the season, there are plenty of places for your pet to stay within a short drive of the city.
At Spring Valley Kennel, your dog can roam around the rolling Blue Mounds hills. The facility uses hospital grade disinfectant to keep all areas clean, and adult dogs each have their own playtime with staff. 10954 Blackhawk Drive, Blue Mounds
Green Acres Pet Resort is owned and operated by veterinarians, and markets itself as a luxury dog boarding facility. Instead of kennels, dogs stay in their own personal suites, and each pup has a custom-tailored activity schedule for the duration of their stay. Green Acres also offers cat boarding. 6990 Hickory Lane, DeForest
No place like home
If your pet is anxious, aggressive or just prefers the comforts of their own home, consider finding an in-home pet sitter instead. These services help connect you with a sitter who can provide one-on-one care for your pet in an environment they know.
Madison DogMa‘s science-based approach to pet-care emphasizes relationship-building, compassion and choice. Their in-home boarding service sends a ‘DogMa’ to your home to provide your pet with care personalized to their individual schedule and needs — and, of course, provide you with plenty of pictures and videos to keep you connected while you’re away.
T&T Pet Care can connect owners with Madison-based pet care professionals who will take care of your pet within the comfort of your own home. You can choose either their walking service, for regular daytime check-ins on your pet, or organize an in-home stay, where someone will watch over your pet from dinner time to breakfast.
Need pet care but don’t want to pay for boarding or an in-home visit? Use Woofy Club to connect with your neighbors and find someone local who can take in your pet for free — just make sure you return the favor!
Gabby Shell is an editorial intern at Madison Magazine
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