When deciding whether or not to board your pet, there are several factors to consider since not all boarding facilities function similarly. Some facilities accommodate lots of dogs in a resort-like setup. Others offer in-home boarding, in which your dog or cat will stay in the house of one of the staff members. Some businesses even offer pet-sitting services, where a staff member will stay in your home while you are gone.
Choosing a Boarding Facility
When you’ve established which arrangement is suitable for you and your dog, you can begin searching for a facility that meets your needs. Do your research: read reviews and ask your friends, family, and neighborhood for opinions on local facilities. Now that you’re ready schedule a trip to the facility. Seeing where your pet will be staying provides you with a full idea of the type of treatment they will get. Many of your concerns can often be answered in a single visit.
Are you unsure about what to ask or search for? When looking for a boarding facility, keep the following six criteria in mind:
Examine the Requirements
The conditions pets should follow to remain at a dog boarding facility are one of the most crucial markers of its quality. Assume a facility has relatively loose criteria. In that situation, pets may not have been appropriately cared for or vaccinated. You need to check to see if the boarding facility needs proof of current vaccinations, including rabies, Bordetella, and distemper. Otherwise, your pet may contract an illness from an unvaccinated or medicated pet.
Cleanliness
A reliable institution will guarantee that bowls, beds, and floorings are sterilized properly. This safeguards your dog against easily transmitted infections in public places, such as puppy warts or kennel cough.
Staffs
Is there adequate staff to accommodate the number of pets in their care? Is there a connection between the facility and a local veterinarian or emergency clinic? What qualifications do the workers have? Is there at least someone on-site certified in Animal First Aid?
Space
Is the facility large enough to house the number of pets in their care? Is there a sleeping area for each dog? Is there a separate location for the dogs, both inside and outside?
Activities
How often are the dogs walked? How frequently have they been left alone? Do they spend the day having fun in a daycare facility, or are they taken for actual walks?
Emergency Procedures
Ask if a vet is on-site to care for pets who become sick or need emergency treatment during their stay. Is there an in-house veterinary pharmacy to get your pet’s prescription on the same day without leaving the facility? If not, what are the facility’s protocols for obtaining emergency medical care for a dog? For more information about in-house vet labs, you can browse several websites or talk to professionals to learn more.
Other Factors to Consider
Can they deal with your pet’s dietary allergies and specific requirements? Are other services, such as grooming, training, and walking, available? Is there a dog dentist on-site? Are there any webcams you can use to monitor your dog?
Final Thoughts
Look for a dog boarding facility that cares about your pet. While many consider pricing a significant concern, some examine other pet-care options. Your best friend’s health, well-being, and comfort can not be valued in terms of money. Finally, researching and choosing the appropriate facility can offer peace of mind and ensure that you and your pet are happy while you are away.
