Five Things to Do Before Boarding Your Pet

If you plan, you won’t have to worry as much about leaving your pet at home. It’s possible to make your pet’s vacation easier, whether you want to board them or hire a pet sitter to come to your residence. You’ve researched and found what you think is the best boarding facility for your dog or cat while you’re gone.

Tips for preparing your pet for boarding.

Boarding can cause anxiety in even the most easygoing pets, so preparing your pet for the change is important. Get your dog or cat ready for boarding with these five easy steps!

Attempt a Trial Run

Your pet should have a trial stay a few weeks before your trip if it has never been boarded before or if you are taking it to a new facility. Reserve a kennel for your pet and leave them there for the night so they can get used to the new environment and routine.

In addition, the boarding facility will have more time to understand your pet before you go, allowing them to accommodate any special needs better, which sometimes requires assistance from specialists like a dog dentist. You, your pet, and the boarding facility staff may all benefit from a brief practice run before you go for good.

Adjust Sleep Habits

It may take some duration for your dog or cat to acclimate to boarding if they are used to spending the night in your bed.

Close the door to your bedroom or use a crate if necessary to help your pet adjust to spending the night alone or in a kennel. Bring the crate into the bedroom if your pet’s noise keeps you up, but don’t let it sleep with you in bed.

Keep the Comfort

Many kennels, and catteries include basic amenities, but nothing beats bringing your pet’s bed, blanket, toys, treats, etc. You can usually bring your pet’s favorite blanket, rug, or soft toy from home to the kennel with you. Your pet will have a more positive boarding experience overall with the help of these items.

Plan Your Drop-off

If time permits, plan on bringing your pet to the boarding for cats facility early. They will have the whole day to settle in and get to know their new home, with more staff around to help if they feel overwhelmed. Having that first day to call and see how your pet is doing can put your mind at ease a little bit as you sleep.

Consult the Vet

For the well-being of your pet and the other boarded animals. Boarding facilities require proof of a recent veterinary exam and current vaccinations from places like Highland Animal Hospital. It’s essential to take your pet to the vet a week or so before you go to ensure it’s in good enough shape to board and has all of its vaccinations up to date. There are things you can perform to help your pet acclimate to boarding, and your vet may have some suggestions.

Conclusion

While it would be ideal for pet owners to be able to bring their pets along on every outing, this is not always practical. Leaving your dog at a kennel might be difficult, but you can rest easy knowing he’ll be well taken care of while you’re apart. To reduce your pet’s anxiety and stress during your absence, take the steps above as soon as possible.