Travelling with pets isn’t easy and unfortunately, it’s not always possible.
Whether you’re planning a trip away with friends or you need to travel for work, sometimes the easier option is to leave your furry friend at home.
Well not exactly at home, because of course, your pet needs a little help when you’re not there – after all they can’t themselves.
So, what’s the solution? A pet boarding kennel. This is a place your dog or cat can stay for a period of time, both long and short amounts of time and have their needs fully catered for. They will be fed, walked, played with, and looked after, so you don’t need to worry about them while you’re away.
There are some things you should think about and know before boarding your pet, and our friends at the Bundaberg vet hospital, Sugarland, have put together some handy info you should know before you board your dog.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Do your research and think of your pet’s preferences
It can be a little scary to put your pet’s wellbeing into someone else’s hands, after all, they are your baby. A boarding facility is a great option because this is exactly what they do. They take away the burden and stress you might have when you’re away from your pet. They are trained to look after all sorts of dogs and are normally able to be quite flexible to cater to your pet’s needs because they know that no two dogs are the same.
When it comes to choosing a pet boarding facility, we recommend that you do your research. Obviously, you need to find one that is close to you, however, it’s also important to see what kinds of services and programs they offer. Some facilities might cater better to bigger or outdoor dogs, while other specialise in indoor or teeny tiny dogs. While many facilities can cater to both, it certainly pays to do some research.
2. Book your place early
Sometimes you can’t always plan too far in advance, emergencies and last-minute trips happen. However, some places aren’t able to cater to last minute bookings.
If you’re planning a trip in a few months’ time or during a busy holiday period, we recommend that one of the first things you organise is your pet’s boarding facility. It will give you time to research and check out the facilities.
It also gives them more time to prepare for your pet’s impending arrival, which is especially important if they have special needs.
3. Review any vaccination requirements
Ensuring your pet is immunised is an important part of being a pet owner. It helps to keep them healthy and live long lives. This is especially important for when they might be exposed to new environments and other animals. The health of your pet can be compromised in a lot of different ways.
The boarding facility you choose will have minimum vaccination and immunisation requirements for the animals that stay there, so before you book them in, make sure you know what these requirements are and that your pet is protected.
4. Prepare their favourite snacks and any special dietary requirements
When you board your pet, most facilities offer a program that includes food, however, if your pet has a special diet, you will likely need to provide the food for the duration of their stay.
It’s also a good idea to pack some of their favourite treats and snacks for their stay. This helps the workers play with them and can also provide a sense of comfort for your pet as well.
5. Pack something familiar
If you think it’s scary to leave your pet at a boarding facility, it’s fair to assume that your pet might be a little scared too. While they are in great hands and will feel comfortable after a little while, this stress will be significantly reduced if they have something that reminds them of you and their home.
Pack their favourite toy, blanket or whatever it is that they just love, and they will have the best time during their pet vacation!
If you follow these steps when it comes to boarding your dog, it will be a breeze!