For some trips, the best decision may be to leave your dachshund at home. If travel might be too traumatic for your dachsie, or if he suffers from an illness that could be exacerbated by travel, consider leaving him in the care of someone who is responsible and who really enjoys his company. Another option is a boarding facility.

Boarding kennels generally come in two types: basic care or luxury. You can expect to pay $12 to $36 a day for a basic-care facility which will provide your dachshund with a clean, dry, and comfortable place to sleep, food, fresh water, exercise, and other amenities.

The luxury facilities are for those who really want to pamper their pets and can afford to do so. Just a few of the amenities a luxury boarding facility might offer include limo pickup and drop-off; professionally decorated, homey suites with plush couches and beds; televisions; piped-in music (the dog's favorite, of course); and supervised swimming. These accommodations range in price from $50 to $300 per day.

Boarding Kennel Checklist

Before you make an appointment with a particular kennel or boarding facility be sure to do your homework. Here are some of the questions you should ask:

• Does the boarding kennel have a current state inspection certification? (Some states require this; others do not.)

• Are the dogs kept in runs with indoor access to a kennel or in crates indoors?

• Will your dog be walked or let out in a play area? If your dog doesn't play well with others, will the boarding facility exercise her individually?

• Can your dachshund be given extra play time, if you request it? Is there an extra charge for this?

• Will the boarding kennel use your food, or do they insist on using their own?

• Can the staff feed your dachshund more than two to three times a day?

• Will they be able to give your dachshund her medications (if any), and is there an extra charge for this service?

• Are all dogs required to be current on their vaccinations and show proof of having had a recent bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination?

Don't hesitate to actually visit a kennel if you like what you hear on the phone. Some things to look out for on your visit are the following:

• Are the facilities clean? Crates should be clean and dry; runs should not have more than one bowel movement in them.

• Is the boarding area free of strong or pervasive smells?

• Will the operator take you back to see the kennel area? If not, this is a red flag that something's wrong.

• Is the area kept at a comfortable temperature, and does it provide good ventilation?

When you find a boarding kennel that meets your criteria and has a caring staff that you like, prepare your dachshund with visits before you take a long trip. Many pet owners find it helpful to drop their dachsies off for a couple of overnights or a weekend visit so the dachshund knows that his owner is coming back to get him. Additionally, if boarding proves to be far too stressful for your dachshund, you can consider alternate arrangements, such as a pet-sitter.

Hiring a Pet-Sitter

Pet-sitting is a relatively new trend that's mushroomed in popularity in the past two decades. The concept behind hiring a pet-sitter is that your dog is most comfortable and less stressed living in her own home, particularly when you are gone. The pet-sitter comes to your home and feeds, waters, plays with, and cares for your dachshund — as many times a day as you feel is best.

You can also ask the pet-sitter to do other things for you, such as bring in the paper and mail, open drapes and/or blinds during the day and close them in the evening, turn on and off lights as necessary, even take out the trash. Of course, all this service does come at a price. Pet-sitters generally charge between $12 and $20 a visit.

When interviewing a prospective pet-sitter, here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What are the pet-sitter's qualifications? (Does she train dogs, work at a vet's office?)

• What is the pet-sitter's experience? (Has she been in this business a long time or are you her first customer?)

• Can she provide you with references? (Call them!)

• Is the pet-sitter insured and/or bonded? (This will protect you if something were to happen to your dog or property.)

• Can she come to your home two to three times a day?

• Will she spend at least 20 minutes interacting and playing with your dog?

• Does the pet-sitter have someone who can fill in for her if she has a personal emergency?

• Can she give your dachshund its medications, if any?

For either a boarding kennel or a pet-sitter, word of mouth and glowing recommendations from clients count for a lot. Before you call to make reservations or arrangements for your travel dates, you should always visit the facility or meet with the pet-sitter first.

If something bothers you about either, don't use their services. This is one instance in which it is perfectly acceptable to go with your gut instincts. Keep looking! This is your family member, after all. Your dachshund trusts you to put her in good hands.