Whether you’re holding off for medical reasons or your puppy is too young, sometimes you have moments when you have to figure out what to do with your unvaccinated puppy when you leave the house. No one really thinks “gee, I’m going to adopt a puppy, then run off on vacation right away!” Still, things happen. Emergencies come up and sometimes you just have to go. So now you have a new puppy, who hasn’t had all of his vaccinations yet and can’t take him with you. Would it be cruel to leave him at home while you are out? What are your options? Check out our tips for both short day trips and longer overnight travel.
What to Do with Your Unvaccinated Puppy While Away
Crate train
You are most likely crate training your puppy right? If not, you definItely should think about it. My dogs know exactly where to go when we are leaving the house, right for their kennels. It is a safe place for him that is just his and he can’t make a mess of. If you have to be gone for any length of time during the day, the crate is the best place for him. Obviously, you can’t leave your pup in a crate the whole time while you’re out of town, but a few hours while you leave to take care of something isn’t going to hurt him.
Bathroom
If you do not have a crate, you want to try and keep him contained in a small area. Smaller areas mean less mess. It doesn’t have to be the bathroom, maybe you can gate off the kitchen. Wherever you decide to place him, line it with newspaper or puppy pads. Unlike his crate, where he can not get away from it, he can relieve himself in one corner and then stay away from it. Give him some toys to play with as well! Again, this is best for short trips. Your pup shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods.
Dog Sitter
Hiring a dog sitter is probably the very best option if you’re planning to go away over night and can’t board your dog. Even if you CAN board, sometimes sitters are a better option. Do you have a neighbor or trusted friend who wants to earn a little money by playing with your pup? Ask them if they can “sit” with your pup. They can either spend the night or come for a few hours each day.
Dog walker
If you have to be gone for any length of time, longer than a few hours but not days on end, and really want someone with your dog, you could always find a dog walker. Someone who will come in your home, leash him up, take him out, and then bring him back. He might play with him for a bit, but he won’t be babysitting your pup like the neighbor kid will. You could ask the same child, maybe he can’t stay the entire time, but he can take your dog out and walk him a few times.
Make sure he has access to food and water while you are gone, if it is going to be a for any extended period of time. Water in the crate is not a good idea, but when he is let out, let him have access to it. Pups need to stay hydrated! If someone is coming by to let him out and give him water, tell him to wait a few min after the water and bring him out again to give him the chance to go so he is not making a mess of your house (or his crate).
What have you done with your pup when you have had to be away for a while? Share with us in the comment section below!
