You may decrease your fears about leaving your pet behind while on vacation by arranging ahead of time. Whether you hire a pet sitter or board your pet, you can do a few things to make your trip easier for you and your pet. Here are some tips to help you determine which option is best and prepare your pet for his stay.
Carefully select your pet’s boarding facility.
Many owners believe choosing the closest boarding facility to their home is the simplest option. However, just because something is close by doesn’t imply it’s the best area for your pet to stay. Accommodations and services at boarding facilities vary widely, so you’ll want to stay somewhere that can care for your pet.
First and foremost, get recommendations from others. You may have friends or family who has used boarding and would recommend it. This doesn’t mean it’s the greatest facility for your pet, so you should visit and ask questions about where he’ll stay, what he’ll do, and what else they provide. Check out online reviews on their home page and visit each facility on your shortlist in person.
Do not alter your pet’s diet.
Many owners who have never boarded their pets on a boarding for cats facility before fear they will have to consume whatever food the facility provides. This, however, is not the case. To avoid upset stomachs, veterinarians recommend keeping your pet on his regular food. As a result, if the facility you select cannot give the same brand of food that he regularly consumes, it ensures you can provide your own!
Get your pet’s preventive care in order before boarding.
Most boarding facilities will have specific conditions that must be completed before your pet can stay. In most cases, this is about his preventative care. Most boarding services require owners to submit documentation of their pet’s immunizations and parasite control like tapeworm prevention to limit the danger of illness in an environment where many animals are in close quarters.
Without these, your pet may be denied boarding. Before booking him in for boarding, ensure he is as healthy as he can be, is up to date on his preventative treatment, and is clear of fleas, ticks, and worms.
Complete all paperwork before dropping off your pet.
Before your pet may board, much like putting a human child in the care of someone else, you will need to complete a lot of documentation. This will contain information about his health, any medications he requires, his nutritional preferences, and his overall temperament. Make a note of your emergency contact details and other pet-related information.
Stay calm before leaving your pet in the boarding facility.
Making a big deal out of boarding their pets is a rookie mistake. However, by lavishing attention on your pet, he will realize that something significant is about to occur. This will immediately put him on edge and make it much more difficult to settle into his temporary housing.
Instead, attempt to convey the same level of emotion as if you were merely leaving him for a few hours, such as going to the store or the gym. This will underline that you are returning to his mind, allowing him to relax much more rapidly.
To Wrap It Up
It is critical that while boarding your pet, you inform the facility workers about your pet’s needs and habits; the suggestions above are simply starting points for a conversation. Because each pet has unique requirements, ask lots of questions. After all, no one knows your pet as you do.
