Dog boarding is the safest and best form of accommodation for your dog when you are away. It is a place where your beloved pet can go about its daily routine without worrying about being left alone. It allows for your dog or cat to receive undivided attention and care in a safe environment. Kennels cannot provide this guarantee, as they are usually very busy. A cat or dog boarding facility provides your pet with comfortable and safe lodging and nutritious meals. They also get plenty of exercise and socialization opportunities. Regardless of how much you love your pooch or kitty, there will come a time when you’ll have to leave them behind, be it for travel or emergencies. Your first instinct may be to bring them along with you, only to find out that your hotel has a no-pets policy, or your pet has suddenly become violently ill in the middle of your vacation. Owners who are in need of capable hands may also entrust their pets to professional cat or dog boarding facilities. Before you drop off your pet at a boarding facility, ask around. Get in touch with more than one. One of the most important things to consider is where your pet will stay while you are gone. Tour the living quarters before leaving him or her for an extended period of time. Make sure it is clean, orderly, safe and secure.
Keep in mind that your pet may feel stressed staying in a completely new environment, so keeping them in a small, enclosed area may not be ideal. Crate-free dog boarding is a great option in making pets feel more at home. The working staff at boarding facility should always have a pet-friendly attitude to put even the most anxious dogs or cats at ease.
The facility should have amenities to stimulate a more comfortable environment, with some fun activities you pet can take part in. Playtime with other pets must be supervised by a staff member. This reduces the risk of injuries.
Some boarding facilities only have pet walking once a day for half an hour or so, whereas home boarding facilities can offer your pet more attention. If your pet is used to being free to roam around, half an hour may not be enough. Make sure the facility you choose allows enough time for pet pooch to go for walks. Some pets may also have specific medical needs. The facility you choose must be able to cater to all those.
If you’re looking at a commercial pet boarding facility then find out if they are certified or members of a professional organization. Also try to find out how long the particular facility has been pet sitting and how many repeat customers they’ve had. Take some references, if possible.
Keep an eye out for secure and sanitary conditions. There should be adequately secure fenced exercise areas and sleeping areas with comfortable non-slip surfaces. Look for clean, secure, chemical free and temperature-controlled environment.
Find out what happens if your beloved pet has any healthcare needs or emergencies requiring medication or veterinary services. The pet boarding facility must have accessible vet services to tackle such issues. Certified pet first-aid service is also a must have.
