🐾 Going Away? Dog Care Options for Your Dog

At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we don’t provide routine dog boarding. In rare situations, we may hospitalise dogs with specific medical needs while their owners are away, but this is veterinary care — not standard boarding.

For all other dogs, we’re happy to help you find safe and reliable care options so you can enjoy your time away knowing your pet is in good hands.

🏡 In-Home Care

Many owners arrange for friends, neighbours, or professional pet sitters to care for their dog at home. This can be less stressful for some pets, but preparation is key.

Before you leave, make sure you’ve organised:

• Food & Feeding Instructions – Enough food for your entire trip, with clear written feeding amounts, times, and foods to avoid.

• Walking Guidelines – Which harness or collar to use, and whether your dog reacts to other dogs.

• Medical Information – Details of any health issues, medications, and which vet to see in an emergency. Let us know if you’re away so we can help carers if needed.

• Microchip & Registration – Update your pet’s details through the NSW Pet Registry via the Service NSW app.

• Identification Tags – Required by law when your dog is outside your property. We stock a range at reception.

• Preventative Health – Tick control is essential on the Northern Beaches. Carers may not check as thoroughly as you, so consider our 12-month tick prevention option before you leave.

🏠 Care in Someone Else’s Home

Some local carers take dogs into their own homes. This can work well for friendly, social dogs who enjoy constant companionship.

Requirements:

• Up-to-date vaccinations

• Current tick and flea prevention

• The same preparation as in-home care — feeding instructions, medical details, emergency contacts, and microchip updates

🏨 Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels are still one of the safest, most consistent options for dog care while you’re away.

There are several nearby in Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest, plus others further afield.

Hanrob Pet Hotels – We offer a convenient drop-off service:

• Drop your dog off at our clinic

• The Hanrob van collects them for transport to the boarding facility

• Return drop-off to the clinic is available for pick-up when you get home

Kennel Requirements:

• Current Vaccinations – Our PAH vaccines include Bronchi-Shield Oral for rapid, high-efficacy canine cough coverage. Certificates can be issued or reissued if needed.

• Tick & Flea Protection – Boarding staff may not detect early tick signs as quickly as you would. Make sure prevention is up to date before your dog goes in.

📩 Tip: Message us through the website to check your dog’s vaccination and tick prevention status before you travel.

 Or email reception@pittvets.au