Taking your pet with you on a relaxing getaway isn’t always possible which means that you’ll have to find an alternative accommodation solution for them until you get back. Luckily, there are plenty of pet boarding options out there that can give your furry friend a temporary home. From dog kennels and cat boarding facilities to vet boarding services and pet hotels. So what do you need to know before dropping your beloved pet off at the boarding facility? Read on to find out.
Compare Different Pet Boarding Options
First off, you need to do your homework to make sure that you find the right place for your pet. Remember when you were first introducing a new pet into your home, and how you took extra care in ensuring that your house will provide a safe space for them? Well, the same thing applies here. Whichever boarding option you choose will be a totally different environment for your four-legged friend so you need to do some thorough research on each possible option to ensure that your furry friend will be as comfortable as possible.
The right facility depends on your pet’s special needs. For instance, if your dog is hyperactive, you’ll want to choose a place that offers doggie daycare where your pup will get to run around and play and if you have a cat who likes to wander outdoors, you need to make sure that the facility you choose will allow them to do that in a safe and controlled environment. So, when comparing different pet boarding options, be sure to ask about the kind of activities they engage in and the amount of exercise they receive on a daily basis.
Additionally, you should inquire about the facility’s protocol for handling medical emergencies and also confirm that they don’t have a history of pets escaping or suffering a serious injury on their premises. Last but not least, you need to check staff hygiene, proper ventilation, daily cleaning, and adequate disinfection off your list because they’re vital for your pet’s health and can prevent the spread of most contagious diseases among cats and dogs.
Clearly Communicate Your Pet’s Needs With the Staff
It goes without saying that you have to discuss your pet’s eating habits, food restrictions, allergies, health conditions, and medications in addition to any behavior quirks or special needs that they may have to ensure that the staff has all the information they need to properly care for your four-legged friend.
If your pet has special medication that they need to take regularly, it’s imperative that you discuss this with the staff ahead of your pet’s stay to make sure that they have the medication on hand at all times and be sure to pack a little extra medication for good measure. You should also provide them with clear instructions on the type of emergency measures they should take if something were to happen.
Make Sure Your Furry Companion is Prepared
The worst thing you can do is to show up to the boarding facility on the day you’re supposed to drop off your beloved pet, only to find out that they haven’t had the proper vaccinations for their stay. This is why you need to check with the boarding facility ahead of time to make sure that your pet is in compliance with the facility’s requirements.
Most pet hotels require Rabies vaccine for both cats and dogs, DHPP vaccine for dogs, and FVRCP vaccine for cats while many dog kennels and cat boarding facilities require proof of flea and tick prevention before accepting your reservation.