Finding suitable accommodation can be difficult enough without also having to find somewhere that will accept your dog.

For some owners, a change in housing circumstances happens unexpectedly. A tenancy may end, a property may be sold, temporary accommodation may not allow dogs, or the only available housing may not be suitable for them.

When this happens, people can quickly find themselves facing a decision they never expected to make: what happens to my dog while I find somewhere we can live together again?

Permanent rehoming or surrender may sometimes be necessary, but it doesn't always have to be the first or only option.

Consider Whether the Situation Is Temporary

One of the first things to consider is whether you expect your circumstances to change.

If you are actively looking for dog-friendly accommodation and realistically expect to be able to have your dog living with you again, temporary care may provide the time you need without making a permanent decision.

There are several possibilities worth exploring.

Family or Friends

For some dogs, staying temporarily with somebody they already know can be the simplest solution.

However, a long-term arrangement is very different from asking somebody to look after your dog for a weekend. Discuss the expected timeframe, costs, veterinary care, daily routine and what will happen if the arrangement needs to continue for longer than originally anticipated.

Temporary Foster Care

Some rescue organisations may occasionally be able to assist with temporary fostering, although availability is generally very limited.

Rescues are often already working at capacity with dogs requiring permanent placement, so temporary foster care should not be assumed to be available. Contact organisations as early as possible if you need assistance.

Professional Long-Term Care

Another option is an extended boarding or long-term care arrangement.

This can provide your dog with a consistent place to stay, daily routine, exercise and appropriate care while you concentrate on securing suitable accommodation.

For longer stays, it is important to choose somewhere that can provide more than simply somewhere for your dog to sleep. Ask how daily routines are managed, how exercise and enrichment are provided, how dogs are accommodated, how social interaction is handled and how the provider approaches longer stays.

Planning Ahead Can Make a Significant Difference

If you know that you may lose access to your current accommodation, start exploring options as early as possible.

Long-term placements can be considerably more difficult to arrange at very short notice.

Having additional time allows you to:

• research suitable care options;
• discuss your dog's individual needs;
• ensure vaccinations and veterinary requirements are up to date;
• arrange introductions or assessments where required;
• understand the financial commitment involved; and
• put a realistic plan in place.

Even a few additional weeks can make a considerable difference to the options available.

Think About What Your Dog Will Need

Not every care environment will suit every dog.

Before making an arrangement, consider your dog's:

• age and health;
• behaviour around unfamiliar people;
• ability to live or spend time around other dogs;
• exercise requirements;
• existing routine;
• medical or dietary requirements;
• ability to cope with changes in environment; and
• any behavioural concerns that a care provider needs to know about.

Be open about these from the beginning. Accurate information helps a provider determine whether they can safely and appropriately care for your dog.

Be Realistic About the Timeframe

Finding suitable housing can take longer than expected.

If you arrange temporary care, discuss what happens if a planned three-month stay becomes four or six months.

A good long-term arrangement needs to work not only for the first few weeks, but for however long the dog may realistically need to remain there.

It is also worth considering the financial commitment before agreeing to a placement. Even where reduced rates are available for longer stays, several months of professional care represents a significant expense.

Temporary Circumstances Don't Always Require a Permanent Decision

Housing difficulties can put enormous pressure on dog owners, particularly when there appears to be no immediate solution.

There will unfortunately be circumstances where permanent rehoming is the right decision. However, when the problem itself is temporary and there is a realistic prospect of the dog returning home, it is worth exploring other options before making an irreversible decision.

Planning early gives you and your dog the greatest number of choices.

Need Longer-Term Care for Your Dog?

PawSaga provides structured, home-based Long-Term Care in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon for dogs requiring a planned stay of three months or longer.

The service is intended for situations including housing difficulties, relocation, extended work commitments and other significant life changes where an owner intends for their dog to return home.