Pets - Boarding Your Pet

House Index | Pets | Boarding Your Pet

BEFORE YOU DROP YOUR PET OFF
A puppy or kitten's first boarding experience can either cause a great deal of stress and fear, or it can be a confidence building experience. Take some extra steps when looking for a suitable place to board your pet, checking them out as carefully as you would a daycare for your son or daughter. One of the things that you will want to be sure of is that the place you are leaving your pet requires proper immunizations. Dogs should have current vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Bordatella. All cats should have a current Rabies and Distemper vaccinations, and I strongly suggest that they be immunized against Feline Leukemia (which is highly contagious). The place you're checking out should be extremely clean and should not smell like animals are there. Talk to the people who will be caring for your pet and also try to observe what kind of interaction they have with pets. Animals know if the person handling them are real animal lovers or people who just want a paycheck. Check out the place your pet will be actually sleeping. If you have a dog, inspect the area where they will walk him; if you're leaving a cat,check out the area the cat will play. If you have an elderly pet you may take some added steps as elderly pets pay a tremendous price when subjected to stress. Stiff joints and visual/hearing limitations need patience and understanding during boarding. Be sure to ask what extra efforts they make toward their elderly visitors if this is an issue for your pet.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU
It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian for a printout of your pet's vaccination record - take this proof of immunization with you when you check your pet in. You should also leave information on how to get a hold of your vet. Bring in an itinerary of where you could be reached with phone numbers or a friend's phone number to act in your behalf. A familiar stuffed animal, a big chew bone, or something to play with can make all the difference. A blanket with your familiar smell will be appreciated. An extra blanket will be appreciated by your pet in case the temperature is colder then what they are use to. Write your name and your pet's name on anything you leave and hope to take home with you. If you have older collars or leashes use them instead of a good one as they often get misplaced. Bring some of your pet's favorite treats; send a little extra so that they can give these liberally.

WHAT ARE THEIR PROCEDURES
Make sure that pets are free of fleas. Don’t be afraid to ask what their policy is if a pet arrives with fleas (if they will be given a flea bath before they are taken back into the kennel area). Ask if they check all the boarders for fleas as they arrive and what the procedure is if they find them.

Do they provide blankets for each guest? Will your pet have it's own individual indoor kennel? All pets have should have stainless steel buckets and/or bowls with fresh water available all day.

Make sure the food they feed is a good premium dog food or bring your own. If your pet is on a prescription diet from your vet, check to see what their procedure for this is, there may be an extra charge but it would be worth keeping on your own food - your pet doesn’t need the extra stress that goes along with change of diet. If you are not boarding at a vet's office what are their procedures if some emergency should arise? Make sure all dogs get supervised play periods outdoors and that there is no need for boarders to wait with crossed legs until regular business hours in order to relieve themselves. They should give personal time and maybe even a cookie each evening before bed. Cats should get individual lap time and indoor exercise every day. Some places do formal grooming, but basic bath and nail clipping is usually available also. I suggest another flea shampoo before returning home just in case.