According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, many pet owners entrust their pets to the care of various pet boarding facilities. Although you love your pet so much, there will always be circumstances that hinder you from bringing them on your travels. If you have an upcoming travel engagement and you cannot find anyone to care for your furry companion, here’s what you should know about boarding your pet.
Types of Pet Boarding Facilities
Pet experts say that pet parents can always choose to leave their beloved pets in one of the following types of professional pet boarding facilities:
- Pet hotels. Some pet parents want only the best pampering experience for their pets while they’re away. This is how pet hotels can help. The luxurious accommodations of these pet facilities can even rival those of any human hotel. Expect your pet to have comfortable private rooms, perfumed baths, massages, gourmet foods, and even designer water. Before you register at a pet hotel, remember to consider your budget. Pet hotels are not low-cost facilities.
- In-home. Like people, pets differ when it comes to preferences in accommodations. If your pet does not do well in kennels, then a facility with a home setting is a better choice. You should look for a registered pet boarding home in your area. Weeks before you leave, make sure you visit the facility with your pet. That way, you can familiarize your pet with the temporary home facility and its care providers.
- Pet kennel. A professional kennel is a common choice for many pet owners. Modern kennels now have more features, such as pampering services, socialization, and training. Be sure to visit kennels way in advance before you decide to leave your pet in one of them.
Create a Checklist
To ensure that your pet will be comfortable, safe, and happy in the pet boarding facility of your choice, you should prepare a proper checklist:
- Know all that you can about the experience of the sitter and the service of the facility you choose. Be sure to check any references.
- Schedule a visit to the pet boarding house weeks in advance.
- Make sure you update your pet’s vaccinations.
- See to it that the pet boarding facility is secure, enriching, and sanitary.
- Ask questions about the chemicals they use for cleaning the enclosures, feeding bowls, and play areas.
- Check if the facility has proper ventilation, fresh drinking water, and temperature control.
- Talk to the care providers and see how they interact with your pet.
- Make sure you pick a facility that has access to emergency veterinary care.
- Ask if the staff are ready to care for your pet all hours of the day, and don’t forget to ask about evacuation plans just in case there is an emergency.
Entrusting your pet to a pet boarding facility is a great way to ensure that your pet is safe, healthy, and calm while you’re away. At Madison Animal Care Hospital, we only provide optimal care to the pets entrusted to us. Please visit our clinic in Madison, Alabama, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 256-461-7575. That way, we can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our pet boarding packages.
