Tips for Preparing for Long Term Pet Boarding

When you have to go away for an extended period of time, long term pet boarding provides a solution for where to leave your pets. Being gone for weeks at a time can make you feel anxious about the care your pets receive while you’re away, so it’s important to find a great boarding facility for them. This means finding one that offers a safe and clean environment with a play area and highly skilled staff. Once you’ve found a place, you’ll need to prepare for this long stay. Keep the following tips for long term pet boarding in mind while getting ready.

Pack Familiar Items

As long as the boarding facility allows it, pack up your pets’ favorite things, such as toys and a blanket. These objects can provide them with comfort when they’re staying in an unfamiliar place. You can also add a t-shirt of yours for them to snuggle with, since this will leave them with something that has your scent on it. Having this kind of item around can also make your pets feel more at home in their boarding facility.

Schedule a Vet Appointment

If your pets are due for a vet visit, get it out of the way before you leave. This ensures that your pets are free of illnesses or other conditions that could affect their ability to board. It also means that your pets will be up-to-date on all of the vaccinations required by the boarding facility.

Have Enough Food and Medication Available

If you plan on having your dogs eat their own food while you’re gone, make sure you have plenty of it. Their food should last for the entire time you’re gone. If any of your pets need medication, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough to last them during their stay.

Ask About Veterinary Care

If your pets get sick or injured, find out how the boarding facility handles it. Make sure you know where your pets will go for care, and leave contact information with the boarding facility so they can keep you updated.

4 Factors to Consider When Comparing Local Dog Kennels

When you have to travel while leaving your pets behind, dog boarding kennels offer a place for them to stay. However, you shouldn’t just go with any local kennel. Instead, it’s important to compare local dog kennels to make sure that your pets will be staying in a safe environment while you’re away. When you go over your options, keep the following factors in mind before making your decision.

Options for In-Person Visits

Dog kennels should be willing to let pet owners walk through the facility to see where their pets will be staying. Kennels that don’t allow this might do so in order to hide safety flaws or prevent pet owners from seeing a messy environment. Make sure you’re able to tour the dog kennel you’re considering having your pets stay in. This lets you see how clean and safe the place is before you decide whether or not to have your pets board there.

Vaccination Requirements

Local dog kennels should require certain types of vaccination to be up-to-date. This helps reduce the risk of having dogs become sick during or after their stay. Ask about vaccination requirements, and choose a facility that requires rabies, distemper, bordetella and other vaccines to be current. Places that are strict about their vaccination requirements have your pets’ best interests in mind.

Qualified Staff

Dog kennels should have staff members who are skilled, experienced and qualified to care for dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments. Knowing that your pets will be watched by staff members who are good with dogs and have the skills needed to handle certain problems provides you with peace of mind. Keep in mind that some places also have dog trainers available for classes.

Special Requirements

If your pets have special needs, such as a specific diet or medications, it’s important to find a place that can accommodate them. Ask how special requirements are handled by staff members at any local dog kennels you look into. These places should keep a record of when and how these requirements are met and whether or not there were any problems.

Practical Tips on Preparing for Pet Boarding

When you hire a pet boarding service to watch and care for your dog while you’re away, it’s important to make sure that your pet is prepared. In addition to meeting the boarding facility’s requirements, you’ll also need to take steps to keep your pet from getting lost as a precaution. Whether you’ve used this type of service before or not, these practical tips can help ensure that your dog is ready.

Get a Copy of Your Dog’s Medical Records

Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all shots that the boarding facility requires, which typically includes rabies, distemper, bordetella and parvovirus. You’ll have to show proof that your dog is current on required vaccines. This requirement helps lower the risk of dogs getting each other sick while boarding. You might also have to show proof that a fecal exam tested negative for parasites within the last year.

Update Your Dog’s License

If your dog’s license is expiring soon, make sure you update it before you plan on boarding your pet. Dog boarding facilities require dogs to have a valid license. You’ll need to show the facility that your dog’s license is up-to-date, so bring proof with you, such as a license tag.

Check Microchip Information

While many pet boarding facilities take steps to stop dogs from being able to run off, such as having sturdy fencing, it’s still important to check your pet’s microchip information beforehand. Make sure the contact information linked to your pet's microchip is up-to-date, and bring a copy of the microchip number to give staff members at the boarding facility.

Get a Sturdy Collar

If your dog’s collar is looking a bit worn, get a new one before using a pet boarding service. Look for a collar that is sturdy and won’t slip off your dog’s neck. Attach your dog’s license tag and any other ID tags you have to it. These tags can make it easier for dogs to be returned to their owners or to the boarding facility they’re staying at while their owners are away.

Local Dog Kennels

Arranging for your dog to stay in a kennel is sometimes necessary when you need to travel without your pet. One of the most difficult parts of doing this is choosing a facility. When you compare local dog kennels for your pet, it’s important to keep certain factors in mind. This can help you decide which kennel to choose and provide you with peace of mind that your pet is in good hands.

Is It Clean?

Dogs should stay in kennels that are kept clean on a routine basis. While accidents can occur, they should be cleaned up promptly by staff members. Leaving messes around, or not wiping down surfaces on a regular basis, makes it easier for germs to spread, and infect dogs with illnesses such as kennel cough. Look for local dog kennels that have a clean appearance when you visit the different facilities.

Is It Safe?

Choose a kennel where you’ll feel safe leaving your dog. If your pet is a jumper or escape artist, make sure the place has sturdy fences and enclosures to prevent dogs from getting out. If your dog will be participating in playtime, check the facility’s policies. For example, do they screen dogs for temperament? The safest kennels perform these assessments in order to ensure that no aggressive dogs are around during playtime. If you’re concerned about emergencies, look for a facility that has staff on site at all times. Whether there’s a fire, flood or medical emergency, you can be assured someone will be around to make sure that your pet gets to safety or receives prompt veterinary care.

Are Staff Members Knowledgeable and Friendly?

Staff members should have enough experience to be able to provide high quality care. They should also make you feel comfortable about leaving your pet in their care. Talk to staff members at local dog kennels to find out more about their experience and skills. They should be able to answer any questions you have about dog boarding or your dog’s upcoming stay.

Is It Available?

Some dog kennels can fill up quickly, especially around the holidays. Although you might have found the ideal place for your dog to stay, you’ll need to make sure that they'll have space available. Try to find and book a dog kennel as early as possible, so you won’t miss out on being able to have your pet stay there while you’re away.