The ultimate checklist for preparing your pet for boarding
The holiday season is nearly upon us which for many means some much needed holiday time. While we want our furry friends to come with us unfortunately sometimes they simply cannot. If pet sitting isn’t an option, there are many boarding facilities for dogs and cats around Australia. However, services and accommodation can vary drastically so here are a few tips to consider to ensure your canine or feline friend has a happy and comfortable stay while you’re away.
Do your research
You should be confident and comfortable your pet is happy and healthy in the chosen kennel or cattery – that way you will be relaxed on your holiday. So do your research and find one with a good reputation. Ask your vet, other pet owners, friends and families for places they have used and their experience.
Check out the facilities
Visit the place before you book in your pet. See what they offer, the state of the facilities and the size of the enclosures. Good facilities are clean, quiet and smell fresh, whereas the not-so-good facilities show signs of overcrowding or a lack of hygiene.
Meet the staff
Talk to the staff and see how friendly and knowledgeable they are about animals. Check to see if there are enough staff members to interact with all pets individually as well as supervision during all times of day and night. There should also be a veterinarian on call if there is an emergency
Trial test
If you are boarding your pet for an extended period of time you might want to trial out the boarding place first. If your pet is happy and content, you can rest assured they will be fine. However, if they come home anxious, you know to look for another place.
Vaccinations required
Vaccinations are a legal requirement to prevent spread of disease especially since there are so many animals in one place. Make sure your pet is up-to-date with all vaccinations and bring records to the facilities. For dogs, you will need to vaccinate them for kennel cough at least a week before.
Extra benefits
Many boarding facilities provide other facilities such as individual care and exercise, grooming and behaviour training. If you are going away for a while, it may be worthwhile to consider extra benefits that will make your furry friend’s time fun and enjoyable.
Copy of schedule
Get a copy of your pet’s schedule or an example of what their routine will be like such as how often they are fed and how many hours they will be free to play. Some facilities even have webcams so you can check up on them while on holiday.
Personal touches
If your pet has special dietary requirement, bring your own food. Even if they don’t, see if you can bring your own food. Your dog or cat might feel more comfortable with its usual diet rather than a sudden change. Consider bringing items that will make your pet feel more secure such as their own bowl or blanket. However, many places do discourage this as items can be damaged or lost.
Book early
During the festive season, good kennels and catteries fill up quickly. Do you research early and book a place when you’ve made a decision so you can be happy in the knowledge you’ve done the best for your pet.