Safety Tips for Boarding Your Pet

Start with a Visit to the Boarding Facility

Before you make a reservation, it’s a good idea to visit the boarding facility. Seeing the space firsthand will give you peace of mind. When you arrive, pay attention to the cleanliness of the place, the condition of the kennels or cages, and how the staff interact with the animals. Is it quiet and calm, or are there too many dogs barking loudly? A peaceful environment is best for your pet.

While you’re there, ask questions about their procedures, including how they handle emergencies, their policy on vaccinations, and what their daily routines are like. Trustworthy establishments will welcome your visit and answer your questions without hesitation.

Check Vaccination Requirements

Most boarding facilities require that pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. This is to ensure the health and safety of all animals staying at the facility. Common vaccines include rabies, distemper, and kennel cough. If you’re unsure whether your pet is up to date, talk to your vet before booking the stay.

Some facilities may also require proof of flea and tick treatments, so make sure your pet is treated for these before arrival. If your pet has any allergies or other health concerns, let the boarding staff know well in advance, so they can accommodate their needs.

Pack Your Pet’s Personal Items

When you drop your pet off, it’s comforting for them to have a few familiar items from home. This could be their favorite blanket, a toy, or a bed. It will help them feel more at ease in an unfamiliar environment. If your pet has any special dietary requirements, pack enough food for their stay and include any necessary feeding instructions.

Don’t forget their grooming tools as well. Regular brushing and care will ensure they remain comfortable and clean throughout their stay.

Provide Emergency Contact Information

If you’re boarding your pet for an extended period, it’s essential to provide the boarding facility with emergency contact details. This should include your contact information, your veterinarian’s information, and a secondary contact (in case you can’t be reached). You should also leave any specific instructions in case of an emergency, such as whether your pet has a medical condition or takes regular medication.

Be sure the boarding staff knows how to reach you, and let them know how they should proceed if your pet becomes ill or injured while under their care. Trusting the staff with this information will ensure that your pet receives the right care in any situation.

Consider Your Pet’s Temperament and Needs

Every pet is different. Some pets are social and thrive in a boarding environment, while others may feel anxious or stressed when separated from their family. If your pet tends to get nervous in new situations, consider choosing a facility that offers more personalized care, such as smaller boarding areas or one-on-one attention.

If your pet requires extra care, whether it’s medication, special feeding schedules, or playtime, make sure the staff at the boarding facility is aware of their needs. You can also consider taking your pet to the facility for a trial day before the actual boarding experience to see how they react.

Avoid Sudden Changes to Their Routine

When boarding your pet, try not to make any sudden changes to their routine. Pets thrive on consistency, so keeping their feeding schedule and other habits as close to normal as possible will help them feel more comfortable. If you’ve been feeding them a certain type of food, continue doing so while they’re in the boarding facility.

Changes in diet or exercise routine can lead to stress or digestive issues, so avoid introducing new food or drastically altering their exercise schedule. Also, if you plan to board your pet for an extended time, it might help to start the process gradually by leaving them with a trusted friend or family member for a short stay, then progressing to longer stays.

Keep Your Goodbyes Short and Sweet

Saying goodbye to your pet can be emotional, but the way you do it can make a difference. Long, drawn-out goodbyes can increase your pet’s anxiety and make it harder for them to settle in. Instead, keep your departure brief but reassuring. Give them a quick cuddle, let them know you’ll be back soon, and walk away calmly. If they see that you’re calm, they’ll feel less anxious.

Stay Informed While You’re Away

Many boarding facilities offer updates and photos of your pet during their stay. Ask the staff if they can provide regular updates on how your pet is doing. Some places might even offer live webcams where you can check in on your pet from time to time.

However, it’s also important to strike a balance. While it’s great to receive updates, you don’t want to check in too often and risk causing your pet distress. If they hear your voice on the phone, they may become upset or confused, wondering when you’ll come back. Trust the professionals to take care of your furry friend, and know that they are in safe hands.

Plan for Pickup and Transition

When it's time to pick up your pet, try to do so during the facility’s regular hours. This will ensure there’s enough time for a smooth transition. When you pick up your pet, expect them to possibly be a little tired or worn out. They may have played a lot, interacted with other animals, or just had a change in routine, so don’t be alarmed if they seem slightly out of sorts at first.

It may take a little time for them to adjust back to home life, but this is usually temporary. Give them a few days to rest, and they’ll be back to their usual selves soon enough.

Don’t Leave it Until the Last Minute

Boarding a pet can be a busy process, especially around holidays and peak travel seasons. Be sure to book your pet’s stay well in advance to secure a spot at your preferred facility. This will also give you time to arrange everything needed, like medical records and food.

The earlier you prepare, the more relaxed and stress-free the process will be, both for you and your pet.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I board my pet if they’re not spayed or neutered?

Ans) Many boarding facilities require pets to be spayed or neutered, especially if they’re older than a certain age. However, there are some that will board unaltered pets as long as they don’t pose a risk to other animals. It’s always best to check with the facility beforehand.

Q: My pet is on medication. How do I ensure they get their meds while boarding?

Ans) If your pet requires medication, make sure to provide clear instructions on how and when to administer it. Many boarding facilities will be happy to accommodate this, but they will need to know exactly how to handle it. Provide the medication in its original container with instructions attached.

Q: Should I board my pet if they have anxiety or separation issues?

Ans) If your pet has separation anxiety or doesn’t do well in new situations, consider looking for a boarding facility that offers special care, such as one-on-one attention or less crowded environments. You might also want to try a short trial stay before committing to a longer one.

Q: What should I do if my pet refuses to eat at the boarding facility?

Ans) Sometimes, pets don’t eat when they’re in an unfamiliar place. You can help by bringing their regular food and giving specific feeding instructions. If the problem persists, talk to the staff so they can monitor your pet’s eating habits and offer suggestions.

Q: How can I keep my pet from feeling stressed while boarding?

Ans) To reduce stress, try to maintain their routine as much as possible. Bring familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy, and don’t forget to stay calm during the drop-off. A stress-free goodbye will help them adjust faster.