As a pet owner, it’s not always easy to leave your furry friend behind when you travel. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, finding the right boarding facility can make all the difference in your peace of mind while away from home.
Preparing Your Pet for Boarding
If you are planning to board your pet, it’s important to prepare them beforehand. With the right preparation, you can help ensure your pet has a comfortable and safe stay at their boarding facility.
- Take your pet to the vet for a checkup. Make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations and any medications they may need.
- Pack food, treats, and any favorite toys your pet may have.
- Make sure your pet has a collar with tags that include your contact information.
- If you have any specific instructions for their care, provide the boarding facility with a written list.
- Give your pet a few days to get used to the boarding facility before leaving.
- Provide your pet with familiar bedding and blankets to help them feel comfortable.
- Ask the boarding facility staff about their policy on walks or playtime.
- Make sure that all of your pet’s documentation is up to date and that you have provided the facility with copies.
- Provide the facility with copies of your pet’s medical records for any medical conditions or special needs they may have.
- Make sure to give the facility your contact information, including your cell phone number, in case of an emergency.
What to Pack for Your Pet
If you’re planning to board your pet while you’re away, it’s important to make sure that they have everything they need to stay comfortable and healthy. Packing for your pet can be a daunting task, but with the right advice, you can make sure that they have everything they need.
- Food: make sure that your pet has enough food for their entire stay. It’s also important to pack any medication or supplements that your pet requires on a regular basis. You should also include any special treats or toys that will help keep them calm and happy during their stay.
- Basic necessities: don’t forget about basic necessities like bedding and litter boxes (if applicable). If your pet has particular preferences when it comes to these items, be sure to pack those as well.
- Medications: pack any medications that your pet needs along with detailed instructions on how to administer them. This includes any prescription or over-the-counter medications as well as flea/tick preventatives if necessary. Also, provide contact information for your veterinarian in case of emergencies.
- Toys and treats: Don’t forget to bring some toys and treats that will help keep your pet entertained during their stay.
- Bedding: Consider bringing something familiar from home like a favorite bed or blanket.
Communication with the Boarding Staff
The best way to ensure that your pet’s stay at the boarding facility goes smoothly is by maintaining open and consistent communication with the staff.
Make sure you provide all necessary information about your pet’s feeding routine and their likes and dislikes when it comes to food. You may also want to give some insight into their behavior so that the staff can better understand how to interact with them during playtime. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what kind of activities are available for your furry friend or if they have any specific requirements for vaccination or medication.
It’s also important that you share any special instructions or concerns regarding your pet’s health. This includes informing them of any allergies or medications that they may require at certain times of day.
Discuss your pet’s needs and routines with the boarding staff. This includes things like feeding schedules, medication requirements, exercise routines, and any other special requests or concerns you may have. Providing this information will help the staff understand your pet’s unique personality and needs.
Special Considerations for Different Pets
- Dogs: They require plenty of exercise and socialization in order to stay happy and healthy. When choosing a boarding facility for your pup, make sure they have access to outdoor space where they can run around and play with other dogs. Additionally, some dogs may have special dietary needs or medication requirements that need to be taken into consideration when selecting a facility.
- Cats: There are some special things to keep in mind when choosing a boarding facility. First, make sure the facility has separate areas for cats and dogs. Cats prefer quiet spaces away from barking dogs. Additionally, be sure that the facility provides plenty of toys, scratching posts and hiding places for your cat’s comfort.
- Birds: It‘s important to choose a boarding facility that has experience caring for birds. Unlike cats and dogs that may be more common at kennels, birds require specialized attention and care. Look for a facility that offers bird-specific accommodations such as appropriate cage sizes and perches.
- Reptiles: You’ll need to be extra careful when choosing a boarding facility. Reptiles have very specific environmental needs, for example, they require certain temperatures and humidity levels in order to stay healthy. Make sure that any facility you choose has experience with caring for reptiles and can provide them with the right kind of environment.