Alternatives to Full Time Dog Ownership.
Owning a dog is a very unique and rewarding relationship, but not everyone has the right lifestyle. In addition, not everyone can commit to having a dog full time. In this article, Holidays4Dogs considers some alternatives to dog ownership, which can still help people to experience the benefits of having a dog but, without full time commitment.
Volunteering –
Most animal rescue centres are always on the look out for willing volunteers. As well as reaping the benefits 
of being around dogs on a regular basis, volunteers also help socialise, train and exercise the dogs. This makes them more likely to be permanently adopted by new families. If you can’t have a dog at the moment, this is a very rewarding alternative to full time dog ownership.
Fostering –
Fostering dogs for rescue charities is a good way to enjoy the benefits of dog ownership without long term commitment. Most charities will pay for expenses, such as any veterinary care and food, until the dog can be found a permanent new home.
Become a carer for Holidays4Dogs –
An excellent way to experience the joys of dog owning, without full time commitment, is to become a carer for Holidays4Dogs.
This way, you will also earn a wage for looking after dogs in your own home, while people go on holiday. Carers get to do all the nice bits like lovely countryside walks and cuddles on the sofa. Its a fabulous alternative to full time dog ownership.
However, there is no long term responsibility to worry about. Neither do they need to worry about the expenses that come with dog owning such as, vets fees, grooming and food bills. While looking after guest dogs, Holidays4Dogs pays for comprehensive insurance. Therefore, there are no costs involved in becoming a carer with us.
Applying to become a carer is super easy ( and there are NO costs involved whatsoever! ) –
As long as you do not work full time, have plenty of dog care experience and have a safe, secure, dog friendly garden, becoming a dog host could be the perfect alternative to full time dog ownership. It is ideal for people retired people, or people who work flexibly from home.
Retired people, in particular, really enjoy becoming carers for Holidays4Dogs. They often have a lifetime’s experience of owning their own dogs. Many may have recently lost a pet of their own, but do not wish to enter into full time dog ownership again. They may miss having a dog around, but wish to spend more with grandchildren, or travel more.
Carers are able to decide when they want to make themselves available for dog care. Therefore, this can easily fit around other commitments such as holidays and travel, or periods of other work. Carers only ever accept dogs from one family at a time. Most get to have those dogs returning again and again. This way, carers get to know their four-legged house guests really well and it is a great alternative to full time dog ownership.
If you would like to apply, or know more about how to become a carer, follow the paw –
There are plenty of alternatives to dog ownership which still enable people to experience the bond between dogs and humans. It is wonderful to be able to live with dogs in your home, but it is a huge commitment. Having a dog can be tie when it comes to work, family life and travel. However, this need not prevent people from having connections with canine pals on a short term, or part- time basis.
