How Can I Find A Temporary Home For My Dog: Your Options

If you need to find a temporary home for your dog, maybe because of a move, travel, a medical issue, or an emergency, you have several choices. Finding temporary pet housing means looking into options like asking friends or family, using short-term dog boarding places, or finding dog foster care programs that help pets in need of a safe place for a while. It’s possible to find a good place for your dog to stay until you can be together again.

How Can I Find A Temporary Home For My Dog
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Why You Might Need Temporary Pet Housing

Life happens. Sometimes, things come up that mean you cannot keep your dog with you for a short time. This can be really stressful. Your dog is part of your family. You want to make sure they are safe and happy while you are away or dealing with the issue. Knowing your options helps you make the best plan for your furry friend.

Here are common reasons people need temporary places for their dogs:

Medical emergencies: If you go into the hospital suddenly.
Temporary jobs or moves: Moving to a new place that is not ready for your dog yet, or a short work trip.
Home repairs: If your house needs big work that makes it unsafe for your pet.
Leaving a dangerous situation: Finding a safe place for your dog is key if you must leave a home due to abuse.
Military duty: Short deployments or training.
Travel: Trips that are too long or not suitable for your dog.
Housing issues: Losing your home or waiting for a new place that allows dogs.

Finding a good temporary home takes time and effort. It is best to plan early if you can. But even in an emergency, options exist.

Exploring Your First Steps

When you realize you need a temporary place for your dog, start by thinking about who you know and what resources are in your area.

Think about your network: Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, vet staff, dog walker, groomer.
Look online: Search for boarding places, rescue groups, and pet crisis housing services.
Contact your vet: They often know local resources or people who can help.
Call local shelters or rescues: Even if they cannot take your dog directly, they might have foster programs for dogs or know other groups that offer temporary pet housing.

Making calls and sending messages is the first step. Do not wait too long if you can avoid it.

Option 1: Friends, Family, and Your Network

Asking someone you know and trust is often the first and easiest step. Your dog already knows these people or can get to know them quickly. This can be less stressful for your dog than staying with strangers.

When This Option Works Well

You only need care for a short time (days to a few weeks).
Your dog gets along well with the person and any pets they have.
The person knows your dog’s habits, needs, and personality.
You trust the person completely to care for your dog like their own.

Benefits of Using Your Network

Familiarity: Your dog might feel more comfortable.
Trust: You know the person caring for your pet.
Often Free: Friends and family usually help out of kindness.
Personal Care: Your dog gets lots of individual attention.

Things to Think About

Availability: Your friends and family might not have the time or space.
Dog’s Fit: Is their home and lifestyle a good match for your dog’s energy and needs?
Potential Strain: Asking for a big favor can sometimes cause awkwardness.
Lack of Contract: Agreements are often informal, which can be risky if issues come up.

Making it Work with Friends or Family

If someone agrees to help, make it as easy for them as possible.

Provide Supplies: Give them plenty of food, treats, toys, leash, bed, and any medicine your dog needs.
Write Down Info: Make a clear list of feeding times, amounts, walking schedule, vet contact, emergency contact, and any quirks or fears your dog has.
Cover Costs: Offer to pay for food, treats, or any small costs that come up. Be clear about who pays for vet visits if needed.
Stay in Touch: Check in regularly, but do not call too much. Ask them to send pictures or updates.
Be Grateful: Show how much you appreciate their help! A thank you gift is a nice touch.

Using your personal network is a great option if it is available and a good fit for your dog.

Option 2: Professional Boarding Facilities

Boarding kennels or pet hotels are places where you pay to leave your dog for a set amount of time. They offer short-term dog boarding. These places are businesses. They are set up to care for many dogs at once.

When This Option Works Well

You need care for a specific, planned time (vacation, short trip).
Your dog is comfortable in a kennel setting and around other dogs.
You are looking for a professional service with staff trained in dog care.
You need a reliable option with set hours and services.

Benefits of Professional Boarding

Reliability: They are open and staffed during business hours.
Structure: Often have set schedules for feeding, walks, and playtime.
Safety: Facilities usually have secure areas.
Staff: Trained staff are on hand to watch the dogs.
Add-on Services: Many offer extras like grooming, training refreshers, or extra play time.

Things to Think About

Cost: This is a paid service. It can get expensive for long stays.
Environment: Some dogs find kennels stressful due to noise or being in an unfamiliar space.
Exposure to Illness: Dogs are around many other dogs, increasing the small risk of catching something.
Less One-on-One: Care is provided by staff, but individual attention might be limited compared to a home setting.
Requires Vaccinations: Reputable places require proof of vaccinations like Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper/Parvo.

Finding and Choosing a Boarding Place

Ask for Referrals: Your vet or friends might suggest places.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or pet care sites.
Visit the Facility: Ask for a tour before booking. Look at:
- How clean is it?
- Does it smell okay?
- What are the kennels like? Size? Comfort?
- How do the staff interact with the dogs?
- What is the exercise or play area like?
- What is their plan for emergencies?
Ask Questions: How often are dogs fed? How long are walks? How many dogs per staff member? Do they separate dogs by size or play style?
Check Requirements: Make sure your dog meets their health and vaccination needs.

Boarding can be a good temporary dog accommodation, especially for shorter, planned trips, if you find a high-quality facility and your dog handles it well.

Option 3: Dog Foster Care Programs

Dog foster care involves placing your dog in a private home with a volunteer foster family for dog. This is often done through rescue groups or shelters, known as rescue foster programs. Foster programs for dogs provide temporary pet housing in a home setting, which can be much less stressful for a dog than a shelter kennel.

When This Option Works Well

You need care for a longer period (weeks to months).
Your dog does best in a home environment.
You are facing a crisis like homelessness, medical issue, or leaving a dangerous situation and need pet crisis housing.
You are working with a rescue or shelter to eventually rehome your dog, but they need a temporary place first.

Benefits of Foster Care

Home Environment: Provides a comfortable, less stressful place for the dog.
Personal Attention: A foster family can give the dog more individual care and training.
Evaluation: Foster families can learn a lot about the dog’s personality, which helps find the right permanent home if needed later.
Keeps Dogs Out of Shelters: Frees up space in shelters and keeps dogs from the stress of a kennel.
Respite Care for Dogs: Some programs specifically offer temporary care for pet owners in crisis, providing respite care for dogs so owners can deal with their issues.

Things to Think About

Availability: Foster homes are volunteers. Finding an open spot can be hard, especially on short notice or for dogs with special needs.
Matching: The rescue or program needs to find a good match between your dog and a foster family. This takes time.
Program Rules: You must follow the rules of the foster program. This might mean giving up some control over your dog’s care while they are fostered.
Uncertain Duration: The length of stay can sometimes be unpredictable, especially if it is tied to your situation improving or a permanent home being found.
Emotional Aspect: It can be hard to leave your dog with strangers, even if they are caring foster parents.

Finding Foster Programs for Dogs

Contact Local Animal Shelters: Ask if they have a foster program that helps people needing temporary placement. Some shelters run programs specifically for pet owners in crisis.
Reach out to Rescue Groups: Many breed-specific or general rescue groups rely heavily on foster homes. Explain your situation and ask if they offer pet crisis housing or temporary foster care.
Search Online: Look for “temporary pet housing programs,” “pet foster care,” or “emergency pet shelter” in your area. Some non-profits focus just on this kind of support.
Ask Vets or Social Workers: They may know about local resources, especially for emergency situations like domestic violence or medical crises.

Working with a Foster Program

Be Honest: Give the program and the foster family all details about your dog (behavior, health, fears, habits).
Provide Supplies: Send food, medicine, bed, toys, leash, crate, and vet records.
Sign Agreements: Understand the program’s rules, who pays for what (often the program covers vet care, but clarify), and the terms of the temporary stay.
Stay in Contact: Agree on how and when you will get updates about your dog.
Respect the Foster Family: They are volunteers helping you and your dog. Follow the program’s rules for visits or contact.

Dog foster care through rescue foster programs or specialized pet crisis housing initiatives can be a lifeline for both pets and owners during tough times.

Option 4: Specialized Temporary Housing and Crisis Care

Some situations require specific types of temporary dog accommodations. This could be for military members, people in the hospital, or those fleeing dangerous homes. These are forms of emergency pet shelter or respite care for dogs.

When This Option Works Well

You are in an emergency situation (hospitalization, disaster, domestic violence).
You are a military member needing care during deployment.
You need temporary housing as part of a human services program (like a domestic violence shelter that cannot house pets).
You need care that is longer than typical boarding but not a traditional foster-to-adopt situation.

Types of Specialized Programs

Safe Havens for Pets: Programs linked to domestic violence shelters that place pets in temporary foster care or boarding so owners can get to safety.
Medical Foster Programs: Some programs help place pets when their owners are hospitalized for a significant time.
Military Foster Programs: Groups like Foster a Soldier or Dogs on Deployment connect military members with volunteer foster families for dog care during service.
Disaster Relief Sheltering: Animal welfare groups often set up temporary shelters for pets during natural disasters.
Pet Crisis Housing: General programs designed to provide short-term housing for pets whose owners face temporary hardship (illness, job loss, housing loss). This is often a form of dog foster care.

Benefits of Specialized Care

Tailored to Crisis: These programs understand the specific needs of people in difficult situations.
Focus on Reunification: The goal is often to keep the pet and owner together long-term by providing temporary support.
Safety: Provides a safe place for pets when their owners cannot protect them.
Reduces Surrender: Helps prevent people from having to give up their pets permanently during a crisis.

Things to Think About

Eligibility: You must meet the specific criteria for the program (e.g., be a military member, be a victim of domestic violence).
Availability: These programs often have limited space and resources.
Process: There might be an application or verification process.
Duration Limits: Stays might have time limits, depending on the program.
Location: The temporary home might not be close to where you are staying.

Finding Specialized Programs

Contact Relevant Organizations: If you are in a specific crisis (like domestic violence), ask the human shelter or support group if they have pet programs or partners.
Military Aid Societies: If you are military, ask your base’s family support center or look into national military pet foster organizations.
Local Shelters/Rescues: Ask if they have emergency pet shelter space or work with programs providing pet crisis housing.
Online Search: Use terms like “temporary pet housing domestic violence,” “military dog foster,” “emergency pet boarding,” or “respite care for dogs” plus your location.
Ask Your Vet or Social Worker: They are often aware of local resources for people and pets in crisis.

Accessing specialized temporary dog accommodations can be crucial for keeping families together during emergencies.

Comparing Your Temporary Home Options

Here is a simple look at the main options for temporary pet housing:

Option	Type of Care	Environment	Cost	Duration	How to Find	Best For…
Friends/Family	Personal Care	Home	Usually Free	Short-term (days/weeks)	Ask your network	Short, planned absences; Dog knows the person.
Professional Boarding	Staffed Facility	Kennel/Facility	Paid	Short to Medium-term (days/weeks)	Online search, vet referrals	Planned trips; Dogs okay with kennel setting.
Dog Foster Care (Rescue)	Volunteer Home	Home	Often Low/Covered by Rescue	Medium to Long-term (weeks/months)	Local shelters/rescues, online search for rescue foster programs	Crisis situations; Dogs needing a home environment; Potential rehoming aid.
Specialized Crisis Care	Volunteer Home/Facility	Home or Facility	Often Free/Low	Varies (specific to program, often crisis duration)	Social services, military groups, specific non-profits, shelters	Emergencies (DV, medical, military, disaster).

This table gives a quick view of the different temporary dog accommodations available.

Getting Ready: Preparing Your Dog and the Caregiver

No matter which option you choose for temporary dog accommodations, preparing helps make the transition easier for your dog and the person caring for them.

Before Your Dog Goes

Vet Visit: Make sure your dog is healthy, up-to-date on shots (especially Bordetella for boarding), and protected against fleas and ticks. Get a copy of their vet records.
Clearly Explain Needs: Write down everything!
- Food: Type, amount, feeding schedule.
- Medications: Name, dosage, time, how to give it.
- Exercise: How many walks, how long, energy level, favorite games.
- Potty Habits: How often they need to go out, any signals they give, accidents.
- Behavior: Fears (thunder, strangers, certain sounds), triggers for anxiety or reactivity, how they are with other dogs/cats/kids, signs of stress, favorite sleeping spot.
- Training: Commands they know, leash manners, any issues (chewing, digging).
Pack Supplies:
- Enough food for the whole stay, plus a little extra.
- Any medicine needed.
- Leash and collar/harness with ID tags.
- Comfort items: Favorite bed, blanket, toys (maybe one that smells like you).
- Crate, if they use one.
- Vet records and emergency contact info.
- Feeding bowls, any special equipment.
Spend Time Together: Before they leave, give your dog extra love and exercise. A tired dog is often less anxious.
Meet and Greet (if possible): Let your dog meet the caregiver and see the temporary home environment beforehand. This is especially important for foster care or friends/family.

Important Information to Leave

Create a binder or folder with all essential details.

Your contact information (phone, email).
Emergency contact information (a trusted friend or family member).
Your veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number.
Information about the nearest 24/7 emergency vet clinic.
Authorization to get vet care for your dog in your absence (especially important for foster programs or crisis care). Clearly state what level of care they can authorize without reaching you.
Detailed care instructions as listed above.
A recent photo of your dog.

Good preparation reduces stress for everyone and helps ensure your dog receives excellent care in their temporary home.

Choosing the Right Temporary Home

Thinking about your dog’s personality and your specific situation helps you pick the best option for temporary dog accommodations.

Consider Your Dog’s Temperament:
- Is your dog outgoing and loves other dogs? A busy boarding place might be okay.
- Is your dog shy, anxious, or elderly? A quiet foster home or a friend’s house might be better.
- Does your dog have medical needs? Ensure the caregiver or facility can handle them.
- Does your dog have behavior issues? Be honest about these. Not all options can handle every issue. Rescue foster programs sometimes have experienced fosters for this, but they need to know upfront.
Consider the Length of Stay:
- A weekend? Boarding or a friend is easy.
- Several weeks? Boarding cost adds up. Foster care or a lengthy stay with family might be better.
- Several months? Foster programs for dogs or specialized long-term temporary housing options are likely needed.
Consider Your Situation:
- Is it a planned trip? You have time to research and visit places.
- Is it an emergency? You might need to rely on pet crisis housing or emergency pet shelter resources.
- Are you able to pay? This affects whether boarding is an option.
Visit and Ask Questions: No matter the option, if possible, see the place and talk to the people who will be caring for your dog. Trust your gut feeling.

Selecting the right temporary pet housing is a big decision. Take your time if you can, and prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety.

Staying Connected While Apart

Being away from your dog is hard. Staying in touch with the caregiver can help ease your worry and keep your dog connected to you.

Agree on Communication: Before you leave, talk about how often you would like updates (daily, every few days) and how (text, email, phone call).
Respect Their Time: Remember, if it is a foster family or friend, they are helping you voluntarily. Do not demand constant updates.
Ask for Photos or Videos: Seeing your dog happy can make you feel much better.
Send a Comfort Item: Leave a shirt or blanket that smells like you. This can comfort your dog.
Talk to Your Dog (if possible): Some caregivers might be willing to let you video chat with your dog. Seeing your face and hearing your voice can be good for some dogs, but it might also make others more anxious if they do not understand why you are not there. Discuss this with the caregiver.

Keeping a good relationship with the temporary caregiver is key, whether it is a paid service or a volunteer providing dog foster care.

Bringing Your Dog Home

The time will come to bring your dog back home! This is an exciting time, but it is good to be prepared for their return.

Coordinate Pickup: Arrange a clear time to pick up your dog.
Check Your Dog: When you see your dog, look for any changes in health, weight, or behavior. Talk to the caregiver about how the stay went.
Pay Any Fees: If you used a paid service like short-term dog boarding, settle the bill completely. If you used a volunteer, show your thanks!
Back at Home: Your dog might be overjoyed, tired, or even a little anxious. Give them time to settle back in. Stick to their normal routine as much as possible.
Be Patient: They might have a few accidents or seem a bit off for a day or two. This is normal as they adjust to being back home.
Show Love: Spend quality time with your dog, but also allow them space to rest and relax.

Reuniting is the best part of finding temporary dog accommodations!

Grasping the Cost

The cost of temporary pet housing varies a lot.

Friends/Family: Usually free, but you should cover food, supplies, and maybe a thank you gift.
Professional Boarding: This is a daily cost. Prices vary by location, facility, and services offered. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $80+ per day. Longer stays can add up quickly.
Dog Foster Care (Rescue/Non-profit): Often, the rescue or non-profit covers costs like food and vet care, especially in pet crisis housing programs. You might be asked to provide food or contribute if you can, but the goal is usually to help you keep your pet.
Specialized Crisis Care: Many of these programs are free or low-cost, funded by donations or grants, specifically to help owners in emergencies.

Always be clear about costs upfront before placing your dog.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Waiting Too Long: Do not wait until the last minute to find temporary dog accommodations, especially for planned events. Finding dog foster care or specialized housing takes time.
Not Being Honest: Do not hide behavioral issues or medical problems. This sets the caregiver up for failure and can harm your dog.
Not Providing Information: Leaving your dog without clear instructions is unfair to everyone.
Choosing Based Only on Price: The cheapest option is not always the best or safest. Consider your dog’s needs and the quality of care.
Informal Agreements with Strangers: Be careful using informal online groups or individuals you do not know well without proper vetting or references. Professional services and rescue foster programs have screening processes.

Finding a safe and happy temporary home for your dog is a big step. Doing your homework and preparing well makes the process much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

h4: How long can a dog stay in temporary housing?

It depends on the option. Short-term dog boarding is usually for a few days to a few weeks. Dog foster care through rescues can last weeks to many months, depending on the dog’s needs and the program. Specialized pet crisis housing often has limits based on the specific crisis duration (e.g., length of hospital stay, time in a shelter). Discuss the expected duration clearly with the caregiver or program.

h4: Can I visit my dog while they are in temporary care?

It depends on the caregiver and the situation. Professional boarding facilities often allow visits during certain hours. With friends or family, it is up to you and them. Rescue foster programs might have rules about visits to help the dog settle in or avoid making goodbye harder. For pet crisis housing, visits might be arranged but can depend on the owner’s situation and safety. Always agree on visit terms beforehand.

h4: What if my dog gets sick while in temporary housing?

Before placing your dog, provide your vet’s info and an emergency contact. If using professional boarding or a foster program, ask about their plan for medical issues. Reputable places will contact you and/or take the dog to a vet. Clarify who pays for vet visits during the temporary stay (some foster programs cover this).

h4: Is temporary housing stressful for dogs?

It can be. Dogs thrive on routine and being with their people. Moving to a new place is a big change. How stressful it is depends on the dog’s personality, the new environment, and the care they receive. A quiet home setting (like foster care) is often less stressful than a noisy kennel for many dogs. Good preparation and a caring temporary home help reduce stress.

h4: Are there options for free temporary pet housing?

Yes, sometimes. Asking friends or family is often free. Some rescue foster programs or specialized pet crisis housing initiatives offer free temporary care, especially for owners facing emergencies like homelessness, domestic violence, or major medical issues. These programs are usually non-profits relying on donations and volunteers. Short-term dog boarding is almost always a paid service.

h4: How do I know the temporary caregiver is trustworthy?

If using professional boarding, check licenses, reviews, and visit the facility. Ask for references if possible. If using a rescue foster program, the program should have screened the foster family. Ask the program about their vetting process. If asking friends or family, you rely on your existing trust. If using online platforms, look for profiles with reviews and consider doing a home visit and asking for references. Always trust your instincts.

h4: What if I need temporary care because I have to go into the hospital?

Look for specialized medical foster programs if available in your area. Your vet might know about them. Also, ask local shelters or rescues if they have pet crisis housing or temporary foster options for medical emergencies. Friends or family are another good option if available.

h4: Can I find temporary housing for a dog with behavior issues?

It is harder, but possible. Be completely honest about the issues. Professional boarders might charge more or not accept the dog depending on the issue. Some rescue foster programs have experienced fosters willing to work with dogs needing behavior support, but they need full information upfront. Specialized programs might also have resources. Finding the right match is key, and honesty is vital for everyone’s safety.

h4: What is the difference between temporary foster care and fostering to adopt?

Temporary foster care, in this context, is when an owner needs a short-term place for their dog with the clear plan of reuniting. Fostering to adopt is when a rescue or shelter places a dog in a foster home hoping the foster family will adopt the dog permanently, or at least care for the dog until a permanent adopter is found. While both use volunteer homes, the goal is different.

Finding a temporary home for your dog is a loving act. It shows you are committed to their well-being even when you cannot directly provide care. By exploring these options and preparing well, you can find a safe place for your dog until you can be together again.