With summer vacations just around the corner for many, now comes the time for many pet owners to figure out what that means for their furry family members. For those who don’t have family or friends available to dogsit or who have dogs that require special needs, dog boarding is often the best of only option. In this blog, we discuss what you need to know before you choose your best pet boarding option.
Questions to ask before choosing a pet boarding facility
Most boarding facilities will tell you what they need from your veterinarian as far as vaccinations and medical history are concerned, but if they don’t, that’s the most important question to start with. Beyond that, however, there are additional questions you should ask. Below, find suggestions of the most important questions you should ask.
- What do the kennels actually look like, and how big are they?
- How do you keep the facility clean?
- What are the safety measures in place for the facility, and how do you care for the animals in case of an emergency?
- How many people are on staff, what are their responsibilities, and what training do they have for handling pets?
- How often are pets checked on when boarded, and does this include after hour checks?
- What kind of exercise, enrichment, and socializing do pets receive, and how often do they receive it?
- Do you accommodate for special feeding needs or routines?
- What does the boarding agreement entail, what are boarding rates, and what costs extra?
After you’ve chosen a pet boarding facility
Now that you’ve chosen your ideal pet boarding facility, it’s time to start thinking about how to make your dog or cat the most comfortable while you’re away, especially if your pet is prone to anxiety. To start, make sure you have a checklist on hand to ensure that you have everything packed and prepared for your pet’s stay. We recommend a baic list like the following:
__ Measure and pack enough food for your pet’s entire stay.
__ Pack the necessary medications to last the entire stay.
__ Make sure your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick preventatives and that you have health records.
__ Write a detailed list of instructions for the boarding facility staff, and be sure to make note of any health concerns, safety tips, or personality quirks.
__ Document multiple methods for contact in case of an emergency and explain what you would consider an emergency for your pet.
How to make your pet’s boarding experience a good one
The key to ensuring your pet has a favorable experience while boarded (especially if your trip is a long one) is to make sure he or she receives as much comfort as possible while there. To make sure this happens, you’ll want to pack a few additional things not included on the above list. These things include favorite toys, favorite bedding, food that he or she already loves, and something that smells like you.
For additional comfort beyond that, you can also pack Skinny Coconut Oil or homemade coconut oil treats for your pet, as these will not only establish a positive connection between the experience and those treats, but the treats will also help with your pet’s health while boarded. For examples, these treats can be used to hide any medication you bring for your pet to take while boarded. Additionally, coconut oil can be used to help anxious cats or dogs who feel under the weather (potentially due to the stress of boarding).
Final thoughts
The care and safety your pets receive while you’re away is of the utmost importance! Do your due diligence when selecting a boarding facility, and always remember that your veterinarian may offer boarding services or have recommendations for local boarding facilities.