Boarding Your Pet - The Big Decision
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT BOARDING YOUR PET WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
If you need to go out of town or are going on a vacation that does not allow dogs or cats, a reputable boarding kennel can offer you peace of mind in knowing that your pet will receive quality care. However, before you make the decision to board your pet, you will need to find the kennel or professional pet sitter that is the RIGHT kennel or caretaker for Buster or Fifi. Your baby always depends on you for the loving, wonderful care you provide every single day. You need to invest some time into looking for someone (professional pet sitter) or somewhere (a reputable boarding kennel) to take great care of him or her while you are gone. The following are a few issues you might want to consider before leaving your pet for any length of stay at a boarding kennel:
- Is there a FULL TIME veterinarian on call in the event you pet needs medical attention at any hour?
- Is the facility clean, light and airy?
- Are the individual kennels clean (a surprise visit in late afternoon might tell a better story.)
- Does the staff seem friendly and caring?
- Are the individual kennels sized appropriately for the size of the pet? Are they indoor/outdoor kennels where your pet can go outside for exercise in a spacious run? Are the runs protects from the weather elements (rain, snow, direct sun with NO shade? Your pet may want to spend time outside but will need a shaded area in the warmer months.
- Do they offer individual attention and play time just for your pet? It may cost a few extra dollars a day to have the individual attention but it can mean a world of difference to your pet.
- Do they require that ALL pets have the proper vaccinations before boarding?
- Is there an elevated “bed” for your pet to be off the cement floor?
- Are cats and dogs separated?
- If you are boarding a cat, are the individual crates/cages large enough for your pet to move around. Are the litter box and food/water bowls well separated?
- Are you allowed to bring your own food for your pet and give specific instructions on how to feed your pet?
- Can you have your pet bathed and groomed (might be a good idea for the day or day prior to your return)?
- Last but not least, know all of the “incidental” charges such as individual attention, giving daily medication and if you have to pay a full day even if you return in the morning to pick up your pet.
In order to prepare your pet for a stay at the kennel for any length of time (a week or more) try leaving them for a day or two if you go away for a shorter period of time. Or even if you do not go anywhere, arrange for your pet to stay a day or two to see how they adjust before leaving them for an entire week or longer. Make sure your pet sitter or kennel understands any behavioral problems your pet may have or any fears, such as thunder or medical conditions, such as epilepsy. Make sure they understand about any specific food they require or medications that they will need to take while you are away.After all is said and done and you have found the perfect “home away from home”, go and enjoy your vacation! Just make sure you leave your contact information in case anyone needs to get in touch with you! With a little homework, you will be able to ease your mind and know your baby is being well taken care of while you are off taking care of yourself!
Comments
Leave a Reply