Picking Safe Boarding Accommodation

When there comes a need to leave your pet in someone else's care it is never easy, however a bit of preliminary preparation can not only ease your mind but also ensure you have placed your pet where they will get the best possible care in your absence.

A Little Advice Goes a Long Way.

A good place to begin looking for suitable accommodation for your pet is your regular Veterinary Clinic. They should be able to supply you with a short-list of suitable establishments. You can also enquire which establishments local Cat or Kennel Clubs in your area would recommend.

It is advisable to telephone and find out if you can visit the establishment you choose to see if it not only meets your expectations, but additionally the requirements of your pet.

Check It Out.

On arrival, ask if you can look around;

• The area used to accommodate the animals should be spacious, weatherproof, clean, safe, and secure. Always remember it's you who is paying and your pet who is staying.
• Ask to see the food preparation area, ensure this is clean, hygienic, and well maintained.
• Ask about feeding and exercise routines, are they prepared to provide your pet's usual type and brand of food if you provide it? Will they feed your pet at its usual meal times?
• What is the establishment's policy on exercise? Most pets have an established routine, often looking forward to their walk or entertainment time; separation from you is stressful enough without a drastic shift in their routine.
• How much time will staff spend with your pet for company apart from the usual feeding and maintenance chores?
• Will you be able to bring along your pets favourite familiar objects, blanket, treats, playthings etc?
• Ask what their procedures are for treating your pet should they become ill, injured, or distressed. Will the animal's regular vet be contacted or do they have a Vet of their own? Do they isolate sick animals? Will they notify a designated friend or relative if your pet becomes ill or distressed?

This may seem like a lot of questions to ask, but you want what is best for your companion when you are not there personally to provide it. Any establishment that puts the animal's welfare first should be only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

The last thing you need to do while you are away is to worry about your pet's welfare, because there were questions you should have posed but did not have the courage to do so.

If you like the establishment and feel comfortable leaving your pet there, your search is over. If however you still have doubts ask more questions.

Schedule a couple of days trial stay before you actually go on holiday and if you encounter anything that does not fit both your needs or the needs of your pet, move on to the next establishment on your list.

Ready Your Pet For Their Vacation.

Once you have determined where your pet is going to stay there are a few formalities to take care of.

Documentation - Most animal boarding facilities require documentation that verifies your pet is up to date with vaccinations before they will accept your animal as a guest.
You may have to check vaccinations are up to date and have the vaccination certificate to present to them.

Fleas, Ticks and Worms -Treat your pet for fleas, ticks and worms before boarding them out and as a safety precaution, once they are back in your care they may need another treatment, unless a long-term treatment is applied.

Reassure Your Pet - On the way to the boarding establishment, and before departing, sooth and reassure your pet. Animals often notice the fact that something is going on and they may feel confusion that they are in new surroundings and you are not there with them. Your pet will eventually come to understand that you do always return and your trial days will also help to reinforce this point

Leave Contact Details and Instructions - Make sure you leave the name and phone number of your regular Veterinarian with the boarding facility and contact details for yourself, a friend, or relative should anything go wrong so they can be informed. Be sure to provide clear instructions to your pets carers regarding special care or medications that the animal may need in your absence.

Have a Guilt Free Holiday...

Most importantly, don't feel guilty about leaving your pet. You have done your very best to ensure your companion will enjoy their vacation as much as you will enjoy yours.