If you're a dog owner planning to go on vacation, then you're probably faced with the dilemma of where to send your dog while you're out. Sure, you can probably bring your pet to the house of a friend or relative, but what if you don't know anyone who's as much of a dog lover as you are? Then there's the dog kennel option where your dog is stuck in a cage with several other ones. But do you really want to put your dog through that?

Thankfully, a startup called Dog Vacay gives dog owners another option: Let other dog lovers in their community take care of your furry best friend while you're away. Dog Vacay lets you find a real home for your dog with just a few clicks.

The Dog Vacay Process

If you're looking for give your dog a vacay simply create an account on the site and enter your contact information, as well as details about your pet. You can then browse through the profiles of hosts willing to take in dogs into their home.

Profiles contain the basic information about the owners and resident pets, as well as details about their home, including property type (house / apartment), the size of their outdoor areas, whether they provide 24/7 supervision, emergency transportation, and their cancellation policy.

Aside from a default profile picture, people willing to dog sit can also upload more photos to show off their home and pets. These photos will help you determine if they can provide a suitable environment for your dog.

Dog Vacay also provides credentials to help you decide what's right for you. Find out if the potential dog host was phone interviewed, has references, completed a web training, and if they're Facebook connected. Additionally, Dog Vacay gives you more peace of mind by providing insurance and emergency support, photo updates of your dog, and a human and dog satisfaction guarantee. Still need convincing? Scroll to the bottom of the profile and see if there are reviews from other users.

From the profile page, you have 3 options. You can choose to make a reservation, or if you're still unsure, you have the options of proposing a meet n greet or asking a question. Dog boarding fees start at $15 per night.

Benefits of Dog Vacay

Dog Vacay is definitely a big boon for hosts because they'll get a chance to earn extra money doing what they love. For vacationers, the biggest advantage that Dog Vacay has to offer is the fact that dogs will get to be in a real home, with genuine dog lovers. Your pet will also get more attention, and an actual person catering to your dog's needs, as opposed to pet hotels and kennels that provide services to several other pets. What's more, your dog will also get the chance to play and make friends with other pets, giving them a chance to have more fun, and ensuring that they won't get lonely while you're not around.