Thanksgiving is just around the corner and while we adore bringing our canine companions with us on our travels, sometimes it’s just not feasible. If you are traveling out of town this Thanksgiving and plan on leaving your fur baby behind, now is the time to start making arrangements for your dog’s ‘vacation’ as well. If you’re not fortunate enough to have family or friends who can dog sit your furry friend, you may have to consider boarding your pet. If this is your first time boarding, this decision may be a stressful one to make. The thought of leaving your canine companion can be very difficult to consider, but with a little planning and research, you can be sure to choose a place that is a good match for your pup. Here are some tips on choosing the best boarding facility, to make your experience as simple as possible:
• Remember that the choicest boarding facilities fill up quick at holiday time. Make reservations far ahead of time to ensure there’s room for your pup. Ask your friends, vet, and groomer who they recommend and research reviews online to assist you in picking the right place.
• Taking a tour of the kennel is vital. Not only will it give you a better idea of how the place is run and if it’s the one for you, it will also comfort you to know exactly what to expect for your pooch. You’ll want to inspect all areas including sleeping, exercise, and feeding areas. Make sure these areas are clean and odor free. While it will most likely smell like ‘dog’, it shouldn't smell like a dirty dog!
• Your dog will need to be up to date on all of his vaccines before boarding. This is a requirement for every boarding facility. You will need to provide the facility with your dog’s medical records and make sure you inform them of any allergies or health problems your dog has.
• Being away from home and a normal routine is stressful for your pooch. It’s a good idea to take your dog’s own food to avoid further stomach upset. Taking a dog bed, dog toys, or dog treats might help your pup to feel at home as well but don’t take anything irreplaceable – sometimes things get lost or destroyed by your pet while boarding.
• When you drop your pet off, don’t make an emotional ‘farewell’ scene. Your dog will pick up on your emotions and it well set the mood for his stay. Remain upbeat and happy, even if you’re not!
• Make sure the boarding facility has all of your contact information, as well as your vet’s info and local emergency contacts in case you cannot be reached.
• If you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of a facility, do not use them. Always go with your gut instinct.
If you can’t find a place up to your standards, all of the better kennels are full, or if your pooch won’t do well with boarding, you could always consider hiring a pet sitter to come into your home. This might be more expensive but peace of mind involving your pup’s well being is always priceless!
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