From apps to kennels, what dog-sitting options are out there for pet owners over the holidays?

If there's one thing my rescue dog hates it's a circumstance. 

For Basil, a long and nervous former racing greyhound, life would be perfect if it never deviated from his routine of having a trot around the neighbourhood, eating two disgusting fish meals, and sleeping on the couch for the entire rest of the day.

But the ultimate circumstance is when we leave him to go on holiday. In fact, this counts as a circumstance for many dogs — and with the holiday season around the corner, many dog owners are exploring options for what to do with their dogs while they go away.

Consider a private set-up

Like many dog owners, my partner and I have an informal set-up with some other dog families, where we will often mind each other's dogs for short breaks. However, for anything longer, or when they're not available, we have a dog-sitter/house-sitter named Ivan.

We found Ivan by relying on personal recommendation and word of mouth — we did a call-out on social media and got his details from friends of friends.

Ivan isn't a professional dog sitter, but enjoys having a couple of regulars who he will house sit for.

For Basil, having someone we know is proficient with his anxieties and behavioural quirks is a necessity — plus someone we feel comfortable staying in our house.

Similarly, Abi Spratt is an Airedale terrier owner, and relies on the community for private sitters for her dog, Steve. She also regularly puts her hand up to mind other people's dogs, as she loves having another dog around the house, and Steve enjoys the company.

"I think that not very commonly owned dogs like Airedales often seek out other people with the same dogs, as they understand the nuances of the breeds, and dogs often get along with other dogs of the same breed."

One of the primary ways Abi finds people in the Airedale community is through a Facebook group for Airedale owners. Often the situation is reciprocal, with each family looking after each other's dogs when needed.

"It's free, nobody charges, so it's a great set-up if you can find it — and most people just do it for the love of having another dog around and giving their dog a chance to socialise."

Kennels and boarding homes for social dogs

Travis Evans also has an anxious greyhound too, but Ricky's issues tend towards some acute separation anxiety — meaning he hates to be left alone, and gets quite distressed (and loud) when it happens.

Travis was recommended a kennel that might be suitable for a dog craving company, which they decided to try despite initial misgivings about them.

"The idea of a kennel — I always pictured cages and dodgy conditions, so I didn't think it was an option. We wouldn't have tried if it hadn't been recommended by the adoption service Ricky came from."

The kennel ended up being a perfect fit for Ricky, and after a day of "orientation" where the kennel observed the new dog, he was placed in a group of dogs with similar temperaments and energies.

"They're very mindful of the dogs that they get. So they kind of profile the dogs and match them into little play groups that they think will not clash too much," Travis says.

David, director of the kennel, says they also cater for animal guests' medical needs beyond anxiety, including dogs with diabetes, epilepsy, cardiac issues and paraplegia.

Prices for kennels vary, but can push into eye-watering amounts over the holiday period, with more than $100 per day standard. The service Travis uses was about $58 per day, with an increase for public holidays.

Explore apps or online services

There are a variety of apps and websites that can set you up with dog-sitters. The immediate benefit is the ease of use and the variety of choice of sitters — you can customise your requests and read reviews.

For Phoebe Jaensch from Melbourne, the house-sitting services work perfectly for her dogs and their needs.

"Usually my sister would house-sit for our shorter trips away, but we needed an alternative for a four-week overseas trip we took last year," she explains.

"Our dog Keiko relies on routine; she doesn't cope well with change, and is very wary of new people and environments, so we knew the only option would be for someone to pet-sit in our home."

Phoebe and her husband have two rescue dogs, and often foster other ex-racing hounds.

"We found a lovely couple who we got along with really well and had experience with rescue dogs and dogs with medical conditions. We spoke a few times over Zoom to get to know each other, and they visited once to meet the dogs and get to know them.

"During our holiday they sent us daily updates, and we felt very comfortable travelling knowing our hound children and home were being cared for.

"There is no charge, but we cover the bills, dog food etc, for while the sitters are here. So, not only is it convenient but also a much cheaper option than a kennel."