Leaving Your B While Traveling

[brentpetrek]

Hi all, we live in the Seattle area and have a 4.5 mos old B, Layla. We may need to travel via air and are discussing our options. We know we can take her in a carrier in the main cabin if it fits under the seat in front of us (Layla is 14 lbs now, and still growing of course, but she would fit). Each airline's rules are a bit different, but roughly its the same overall rules. We will not fly her in cargo. We received her from an out of state breeder via air travel and she was shipped in the pet cargo area at 8 weeks and we don't want her to repeat that experience, and we generally feel its not as safe as we would hope it would be.

My wife though suggested that perhaps there are groups that offer to watch each other's Basenjis as they are aware of the breed characteristics, etc. and that always helps ..... but not sure if this exists or how we would find such people. Really just looking for a kennel alternative, I suppose, if we decide not to fly her.

Thanks for any input or thoughts.
Cheers
Brent

[eeeefarm]

It depends on your budget, I suppose, but when I had to leave my boy I hired my dog walkers who took him out three times a day and stayed with him all night. But he was an adult. Your pup is not mature and probably needs closer supervision. Check out what services are available in your area.

[senjisilly]

You might ask in some of the Facebook Basenji groups if there is a Seattle meet up group. I know that in the southern California groups Basenji people tend to help each other out for dog sitting needs.

[DonC]

The best option is to find someone who watches dogs in their home. If they do day care that's great because you can leave them there a few times before you leave. You can also leave them overnight as well, just to get Layla used to having you be gone. Second best option is to find a more commercial version.

Of course if you could find another dog/Basenji owner you trusted this might be the best option.

I am not a fan of having someone come into the home, even if they are staying there.

I also think taking her would be problematic. She'd likely be more miserable and you'd be miserable too!

[wallch]

@donc said in Leaving Your B While Traveling:

also leave them overnight as well, just to get Layla used to having you be gone. Second best option is to find a more commercial version.
Of course if you could find another dog/Basenji owner you trusted this might be the best option.

When I cannot take my Basenji girl with me when I travel, I leave her in boarding with my local vet. I feel better knowing she is there in case she needs medical attention while I am gone.

[wallch]

This post is deleted!

[elbrant]

You might reach out to BRAT and ask if they have any foster's in your area that would dog-sit for you. They seem to have Basenji foster parents in every city, so they are experienced with Basenji's and would be able to adapt to short stays. Offer a "donation" of sorts and make it very clear that you are not surrendering your little lady. (worth a shot)