Even if you love your pet dearly, there are times when you must leave them behind. Having to leave your pet behind while you’re away can be stressful. While you’re away, who will take care of your favorite pet? Fortunately, many pet boarding facilities have various services and prices. Let’s look at some boarding tips to help you choose a safe place for your buddy while you’re away.
Tips for Boarding Your Pet
You might be wondering, “How do I choose the best facility for my pet?” and “What do I need to do before boarding them?” For your pet’s sake, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most important things you need to know.
1. Recommendations
Consult with your pet-owning friends and neighbors to learn about their boarding experiences. Be sure to check out several different kennels before settling on one for your pet. It’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations of the best dog and cat daycare. Don’t settle for the lowest option; look for the best.
2. Interview
Request references and learn about the kennel’s history by contacting them directly. Before booking the boarding, contact the references and prepare to visit the facility. While you’re there, pay attention to the cleanliness, smell, boarding location, and outdoor area where pets are allowed to run around freely. Check to see if the animals seem comfortable. Also, check if they offer pet dental surgery and other services.
3. Kennel Personnel
Find out if the personnel is consistent. Find out if your pet will be looked after by the same person every day or a different one. You’ll also want to know if the person feeding the animals is a certified professional or a high school student. Look around the facilities and observe if the employees are competent and happy with their jobs.
4. Determine Kennel Requirements
Some kennels require pets to be vaccinated against certain diseases. If they do, find out what records are needed and how to get them. As for food and treats, you’ll want to know whether or not you’ll be responsible for bringing your own. Ask whether you can leave your pet’s favorite toy or blanket with them while you’re away.
5. Feeding Instructions
Consider bringing your own food to the kennel and request that they only use it. Pets often have stomach problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea, when given different foods and treats. Because your pet is already in a new environment that can be stressful, it’s best to avoid making any further changes.
6. Schedule
Pets are likely to be unfamiliar with the kennel schedule. So to determine if this care facility is right for you, it’s essential to know how often your pet will be walked and fed. You can also learn more about pet hospice care right here.
7. Specific Instructions
If you have any specific instructions, be sure to include them. You should make sure that the medication, dosage (both in mg and number of tablets), and frequency are clearly mentioned. Make the directions clear and include a phone number if anyone has concerns.
8. Medical Records
Ensure the kennel has a copy of your pet’s vital medical records. Medications, medical conditions, and other issues should be documented in this file. Be aware of any unusual behaviors, such as aggression toward other animals. Microchipped pets should also have their owner’s contact information in case of an emergency.
9. Emergency Instructions
If you’re unsure what to do, leave a note with directions. Leave instructions on what you do and don’t if you want your pet to be seen by a vet or emergency clinic. Give emergency medical care permission along with their contact information and payment card.
Ensure that they have your consent to charge for any necessary care if you aren’t available to speak with them over the phone. You do not want your pet to wait for medical attention if you cannot be reached.
10. Contact Details
You should ensure that the kennel has your phone number in an emergency. Put your cell phone number and emergency contacts on hand to be prepared for the unexpected.
Ultimately, you want to make sure that your pet has a good time while you are not with them. Before you leave your pet, make sure you are confident that this will happen.