Leaving your boxer 

So, you are ready for a vacation and you need to make some decisions on your boxer's care while you are away. 

Boarding your boxer or hiring a pet sitter are options if you decide to leave your boxer behind. In either of these cases, here are a few tips:

-Ask your veterinarian, groomer or other pet owners to recommend reputable boarding facilities or pet sitters. Many veterinarians and groomers have their own boarding kennels.

Close friends or relatives make great sitters. Usually your boxer will be familiar with your friends or relatives and this is just one more hurtle you will have crossed to make your vacation more enjoyable.

-If boarding, visit the facility to meet the people and check the safety and cleanliness of the operation. If you decide to hire a pet sitter, meet the sitter in your home ans see how he or she and your boxer will interact.

-Make reservations with you boarding kennels or sitter in advance of your trip. Many facilities or sitters can be booked up early, especially around holidays.

-Be sure your boxer is current on all required vaccinations and ask about additional ones that might be required well in advance of your trip.

-If your boxer is on any medication, you will need to be sure to leave ample supply and clear, correct, and complete instructions on giving him his medication.

-Feeding instruction are also important when leaving your boxer behind. Make sure you have a good supply of food for your boxer and discuss his feeding schedule with your boarder or sitter.

-Make sure your boxer is wearing a collar with identification tags.

-Make a list of important phone numbers boarder or siiter: Veterinarian; office; mobile numbers; and emergency numbers.

-Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached.

-Most of all, if you make sure ahead of time that you are hiring a trusted boarder or sitter you will enjoy your vacation while your boxer is safely taken care of.