Things You Should Know Before Boarding Your Pet at a Kennel
In our increasingly complex and fast-paced world, sometimes we simply don’t have the time or capacity to take care of everything. As much as we would like to have our pets by our side 24/7, there may come situations where you’ll have to leave them behind for a while. Finding a safe place for your companions while you’re away is probably one of the most stressful experiences a pet owner can have. Regardless of the circumstances, as a responsible pet owner, sending your pet off to a kennel or boarding facility may be the best option.
There are many options available, but boarding facilities can vary in the services they offer and the accommodations they provide your animal.
Like the best hotels, the best kennels are frequently booked far in advance, especially during popular travel times. For the smoothest experience, you want to begin planning months or maybe even a full year in advance. Most facilities will require proof of vaccinations and a clean bill of health, so also factor in time to bring your pet in for a vet visit. It’s likely that your dog will need a bordetella vaccine to protect against kennel cough, and your veterinarian may also suggest a canine-influenza vaccine.
Something to keep in mind: If your kennel doesn’t ask about your pet’s health, it likely didn’t ask about any pet’s health. Reconsider your reservation before putting your pet at risk of contagious diseases.
A top-tier facility will also require that their staff undergo training and will pursue third-party certification. Ask staff members what animal-care programs they’ve completed, and if the facility belongs to any professional associations, such as IBPSA.
Some pets aren’t good candidates for even the best of boarding facilities. If your pet has certain health or behavioral problems, or simply doesn’t take kindly to new environments, you might want to consider in-home care while you’re away.
Ideally, you’ll want to schedule an in-person meet-and-greet with your sitter and pets before leaving for vacation. It’s also a good idea to check in with your homeowner’s insurance to verify that you’re covered for any type of emergency that might occur while someone else is in your home.
As amazing as it would be to have our favorite four-legged companions beside us 24/7, the reality is it’s just not possible, what with other responsibilities, obligations, and surprise emergency situations that eventually come up. The choice of whether to find a pet-sitter to take care of our pets at home or to take them to a pet-boarding facility is a tough one to make. Hopefully, we’ve enlightened you enough for it to be an easier choice for you. Pet Nanny offers the highest quality pet-sitting services for great, affordable prices. From dog-walking to cat-feeding, we can do it all. Give us a call at 734-981-6108 or use our online contact form and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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