Taking a vacation or traveling for work often comes with where to leave your pet. In such situations, a quality pet boarding facility becomes your go-to option, ensuring your fur friend receives impeccable care while you are away. Choosing a safe, warm, and comfortable boarding facility for your pet is paramount. But how do you go about the selection process? Let’s unravel the mystery together.
The Essentials in Choosing Pet Boarding
Trust is a core component when picking a facility for your pet. You must feel comfortable with your choice and trust that the people in charge will provide appropriate care. Let’s consider some key aspects to look for:
- The pet boarding facility’s credibility and reputation
- The level of comfort it provides to your pet
- What amenities the facility has in store
- The health requirements for using the facility
What to Look for in a Pet Boarding Facility
Selecting the right pet boarding facility involves several factors. Here’s a detailed list to consider:
- Inspection Tour: Always go for a walkthrough at the pet boarding facility. This gives you a chance to inspect the environment, condition of the kennels or sleeping areas, cleanliness, and overall facility safety.
- Pet Comfort: Observe your pet’s reaction during the tour. Watch if they appear relaxed and comfortable or stressed and anxious. Their emotional response is a strong indicator of whether that place is suitable for them.
- Amenities: Enjoy the amenities provided, like playtime, exercise routines, and socialization opportunities with other pets. Check if they have individual housing or shared spaces.
- Staff Interactions: Observe how the staff interacts with the pets in their care. They should look comfortable around animals and handle them with care and affection.
- Emergency Care: Enquire about their protocol in case of medical emergencies or illness. Do they have a veterinarian on call? Can they transport your pet to your preferred vet if necessary?
- Feeding and Bathroom Breaks: Ask about their policy on feeding routines and bathroom breaks. Many reputable facilities will attempt to stick to your pet’s regular schedules.
- Required Vaccinations: Understand what vaccinations your pet needs for the stay. Some facilities have strict vaccination requirements for the safety of all pets boarding there.
- Reviews: Research online reviews or ask for recommendations from trusted friends and family. This can give you an idea about the facility’s credibility.
Veterinary Regulations and Requirements for Pet Boarding
In many cases, pet boarding facilities require pets to be fully vaccinated. Regular vet visits, therefore, become crucial to keep your pet’s vaccines up-to-date. Documentation of their vaccination record would often be required.
One place that would undoubtedly be handy is your local veterinary laboratory. They handle various tests and examinations, one of which includes a veterinary x-ray, which can be vital when assessing your pet’s health status. Such labs offer a wide range of services, essential in ensuring your pet is in good health before boarding.
Comfort Factor in Pet Boarding
Keeping your pet’s personal belongings can help them feel more at home. It could be their toy, their food, or some bedding. Do remember to check with the facility if they permit those. Facilities like the Animal Medical Center offer pet boarding services, establishing an environment that simulates a home setting.
Research is Key when Choosing a Pet Boarding Facility
Every facility offers various amenities, policies, and staff-training levels. Consider the following in your research:
- Explore if the facility provides off-leash playtime
- Check if the facility offers services for puppies and kittens
- Pay a physical visit to the location. Pictures can be deceptive
Those with young pets know that a few places also offer specific services for their needs. For example, if you reside in Tennessee, there’s a kitten vet in Murfreesboro, TN, who can ably handle your kitten’s distinctive health needs before boarding.
Parting Ways with Your Pet Temporarily
Goodbyes can be tough, especially when leaving your pet in a boarding facility for the first time. However, handling these situations calmly is crucial to avoid raising your pet’s stress levels. Below are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep it Normal: Treat this situation like any other regular day. Overly emotional goodbyes can cause your pet to become anxious.
- Set a Positive Tone: Be cheerful during your send-off. Pets easily pick up on our emotions, so your pet might feel the same if you seem distressed.
- Quick but Calm Goodbye: Give your pet assurance with a quick snuggle or pat, then calmly hand them over to the staff.
- Don’t Linger: It’s best to leave promptly after saying goodbye. Lingering may confuse or upset your pet, making the separation harder.
- Trust the Facility: Remember to choose the facility carefully and trust the staff to take good care of your pet.
Remember, the easier you make the departure, the less stress your pet feels, making the boarding experience much smoother for you and your pet.
Conclusion
Finding a safe and comfortable boarding facility is not as hard as it may appear. Thorough research, understanding the facility’s health requirements, and considering your pet’s comfort can make the entire process smoother than anticipated. Remember, your pet deserves the best, even when you are not around.
