Some unmarried people have pets who are like their children to them. While they enjoy a wonderful relationship, when they get called to active duty with the National Guard or Reserves, the pet can’t stay home alone.
There are a couple of different approaches to provide support. One is for other employee(s) to care for the pet(s) in the employee’s absence. The other alternative is to make long-term arrangements at a boarding kennel. These facilities are used by pet owners while they’re on vacation or on business trips, when the employer often pays for the service.
Check with kennels in your area. In the Cincinnati area, Randy Boyer, owner of Country Lane Kennels (www.countrylanepetresort.com) has put together a network of twenty kennels that will serve as a pet care coalition. The foster care services are being provided at no charge for activated military.
