Tips to Keep in Mind When You Want to Board Your Pet

Taking a rejuvenating vacation after a year-long shutdown seems like a fun idea, but did you think about your furry friend? Many of us have to forgo long vacation breaks because we are simply too reluctant to leave our pets in the care of others.

Our pets are our family, and the thought of being apart from them—even for a few days—can be frightening. But the good news is that if you know how to pick the right boarding facility near you, you can get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy your holidays without a worry in the world if you leave your bundle of joy in the hands of a knowledgeable, well-trained, and professional staff of true animal lovers.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to board your pet...

Know the boarding facility inside and out.

Although you can leave your pet with a friend, their busy schedule may not allow them to give your pet as much attention and affection as you do. Why not opt for a pet boarding service instead?

But not just any boarding service would do if you do not want to spend your holiday worrying about your pet all the time. So, once you have decided on your travel itinerary, start looking for a reputable pet boarding service near you. Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations or look for a boarding facility online.

Once you have a list of personal and/or online recommendations, look at the online reviews of each facility before paying them a visit. Read what other pet parents have to say about the facility and whether they had a positive or negative experience. You can also call the facility directly and ask any questions you have.

When you have found the right facility, it is time for a visit. Take a tour and inquire about your pet's daily routine with the staff. Examine whether the facility is well-ventilated, clean, and safe and whether the staff seems knowledgeable and friendly. Along with meeting your pet's basic needs, the facility should also provide services to keep your pet busy and playful.

Prepare your pet.

Before you drop your pet off at the facility, make sure that your little ball of love has been properly vaccinated for the duration of the stay. If the boarding facility has specific vaccination requirements, ensure your compliance. Do not forget to consult with your veterinarian—they might have some advice about managing your pet's separation anxiety while you are away.

Leave your pet's favorite toy, cushion, or blanket with them to make them feel more at ease. Furthermore, if your pet is on a prescribed diet, let the facility know. Most boarding facilities provide pet food, but a drastic change can be detrimental to your pet's health. So, stick to giving them what they are used to.

Walk them through your pet's medical needs.

It is crucial to inform the facility of your pet's medical needs. If your pet is on medication, provide clear instructions to staff members on how and when to administer the medicine. It is advisable to keep medication in a Monday-Saturday pill organizer, but you can also use labeled bottles—the goal is to avoid any possible confusion.

Make sure that the staff knows how to get in touch with your vet. Offer them a copy of your pet's medical records and let them know of the precise course of action to be taken in the event of a medical emergency.

Discuss treats and allergies.

Treats are a fun way to teach your pet something new. In your absence, the staff at the boarding facility can also use this trick. What is important to remember, though, is what treats your pet is getting. If you use anything specific as a treat, please notify the staff. Better still, leave a stock of your pet's favorite treats at the facility. You must also let them know if your pet is susceptible to weight gain, so you do not return to see a chonker.

More importantly, make sure the staff is aware of any food allergies or sensitivities your pet may have. If certain foods make your pet sick, keep them away from them, especially when you are not around.

Related Read: Allergic to your pet? Try these tips before re-homing them. - The Barking Blog

Be prepared to deal with separation anxiety.

Your dog is used to sharing your space (especially over the last year), so anxiety and depression are inevitable if you are separated from them for a few days or weeks. Separation anxiety is actually the most common cause of pets' declining health in boarding facilities, and it is never good. It can result in excessive urinating and defecating, constant barking or howling, chewing, digging and destruction, escaping, pacing, and coprophagia. (Source: ASPCA – Separation Anxiety.)

To prevent this, inquire with the staff about the steps they take to deal with anxious dogs. The staff should be aware of the best course of action to reduce your Chewbarka's stress levels. Also, if your pet exhibits behavior quirks when nervous, lonely, or anxious, inform the staff how to deal with them.

Keep the goodbyes happy and quick.

While it is only natural to be upset and unhappy when you are separated from your pet, you should try your best to bid a happy and quick adieu. Long, emotional goodbyes will only make it difficult for you to leave and your pet to be without you. This will only make boarding a stressful and unhappy experience for them, and you do not want that. Also, consider that your pet can pick up on your sadness and become even more anxious. But if you will be happy while leaving—or at least pretend to be—the impact of separation will be far less.

With these tips, we are confident that your upcoming separation will be less stressful for both you and your pet. If you are looking for a boarding facility in Fayetteville, NC, you can trust Cliffdale Animal Hospital. Please schedule your appointment by calling us at (910) 487-5013 or contacting us online.