Boarding Your Pet
What to Know Before You Go
by Lauren Lewis
Even though traveling with our pets is becoming increasingly common and easy to do, sometimes vacation plans include destinations that just don’t accommodate our furry sidekicks. In this case, you need to make sure they are properly cared for while you are away.
Enlisting the help of neighbors or hiring pet sitters are both feasible options, although if you are planning a longer trip your neighbors may not have the time or the experience to handle your pet. Many times boarding your pet away from home is the best alternative. But before you load up Dino in the car and drop him off at the kennel, there are a few things you should know.
Choosing the right place
The doggie daycare just down the block may look tempting, but not all pet lodging is right for you and your pet. “Everybody’s view of their pet is different,” says Jim Krack, CEO of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), a trade organization founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care. “For example, if you have a little Pekinese that never leaves your side, you probably don’t want to put him in a kennel catering to hunting dogs. It’s the same thing parents go through when finding a school for their child. It doesn’t mean a school is bad, it may just not suit your needs.”
The best way to start your search is to ask your friends, veterinarian, groomer, etc. for their recommendations. You may also want to consult the ABKA or the Better Business Bureau—a reputable business should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Then visit the facility. “Going there reassures you that things are as they are supposed to be,” Krack says.
A responsible kennel operator will be more than happy to show you around. Bear in mind that sometimes a boarding facility may not permit visitors into the area where they house the pets. According to ABKA’s website, a “No visitors” policy can be put into place because some dogs can react unpredictably to strangers, which could cause the pets to injure themselves or have intestinal distress. Another reason for restriction is because visitors could transfer viruses or bacteria to the animals. However, any facility with this kind of policy should have a viewing window so you can see where your pet will be staying.
According to Krack, you should look for the four “S’s” during your
evaluation: safety, security, sanitation, and supervision.
Check for cleanliness—the facility should look and smell clean. Find out if the exterior runs have tops on them or if there is a double-gated system, so if a dog escapes, he is still in a confined area. Inspect the housing, making sure there are no broken wires, chewed-up wood, or other hard-to-clean materials in the kenneling area. Ask about the feeding and activity schedule—does it sounds right for your animal? Also pay attention to the staff members—are they friendly and knowledgeable? Is there a vet on call?
Additionally, you should inquire about any vaccinations your pet may need, such as bordetella (canine kennel cough), rabies, parvo, and distemper. The requirement of such vaccinations may help protect your pet and others.
If you are planning on boarding an older pet, says Jacque Lynn Schultz of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), make sure to discuss any health issues with the kennel operator. She also suggests checking the kennel temperature because older pets are more sensitive to temperature extremes. “If your pet is very old and in frail health, discuss how much veterinary intervention you expect if your [pet’s health] begins to fail,” Schultz says.
Finally, you’ll need to discuss the rates. Confirm what’s included in the stated price and ask if there are any extra fees. Many times boarding facilities have services available for an additional cost, such as grooming, training, or nail trimming.
Once you’ve selected the boarding facility best suited for your pet’s needs, be sure to make a reservation well in advance, especially if your trip falls during a busy holiday season.
Preparing your pet
“Before boarding the pet for a long vacation, try him out for a couple of long weekends first to get him used to the new environment,” Schultz suggests.
Once vacation time approaches, make sure your pet is current on vaccinations, has identification, and any medication he may need while you are away.
Creating a kennel experience as stress-free as possible is essential. Make your pet more comfortable by bringing along his own bedding or toys if it’s allowed. It’s also important to keep Fido’s diet the same. A good boarding facility will encourage you to pack food from home or will stock requested brands of food. Make sure to discuss your pet’s diet and feeding schedule with the staff.
If your pet is used to a lot of attention, you might consider paying (if necessary) for play sessions or individual walks. When you drop off your pet, remind the staff of your animal’s habits and preferences, as well as any medical or behavioral issues. In fact, it’s a good idea to make a list with this information to leave with the caregivers.
One important tip: Stay relaxed. “[Guardians] can contribute to bad [boarding] experiences,” Krack says. “Don’t make a big deal about leaving; you don’t want to get them upset.”
Consider it a vacation for your pet as well—like summer camp for kids. Being pack animals, dogs enjoy meeting new friends and once they become accustomed to new surroundings, they will most likely have a great time. Cats, although they prefer to be left alone, enjoy taking things in. “I’ve seen all kinds of interesting things—such as allowing cats to have their own viewing window to the outside where they can see a wild-bird feeder,” Krack says.
Once you’re home
Many times our instinct is to give our pets food and water first thing upon arriving home. But Krack suggests waiting at least four hours before doing so. For a dog, the excitement of coming home can cause him to gulp down his food or water, which may lead to intestinal distress (i.e., vomiting and/or diarrhea).
Says Krack, “[Pets] need time to calm down. Give them a little quiet time. Let them get into routine once they get home.”
Enlisting the help of neighbors or hiring pet sitters are both feasible options, although if you are planning a longer trip your neighbors may not have the time or the experience to handle your pet. Many times boarding your pet away from home is the best alternative. But before you load up Dino in the car and drop him off at the kennel, there are a few things you should know.
Choosing the right place
The doggie daycare just down the block may look tempting, but not all pet lodging is right for you and your pet. “Everybody’s view of their pet is different,” says Jim Krack, CEO of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), a trade organization founded by kennel operators to promote professional standards of pet care. “For example, if you have a little Pekinese that never leaves your side, you probably don’t want to put him in a kennel catering to hunting dogs. It’s the same thing parents go through when finding a school for their child. It doesn’t mean a school is bad, it may just not suit your needs.”
The best way to start your search is to ask your friends, veterinarian, groomer, etc. for their recommendations. You may also want to consult the ABKA or the Better Business Bureau—a reputable business should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Then visit the facility. “Going there reassures you that things are as they are supposed to be,” Krack says.
A responsible kennel operator will be more than happy to show you around. Bear in mind that sometimes a boarding facility may not permit visitors into the area where they house the pets. According to ABKA’s website, a “No visitors” policy can be put into place because some dogs can react unpredictably to strangers, which could cause the pets to injure themselves or have intestinal distress. Another reason for restriction is because visitors could transfer viruses or bacteria to the animals. However, any facility with this kind of policy should have a viewing window so you can see where your pet will be staying.
According to Krack, you should look for the four “S’s” during your
evaluation: safety, security, sanitation, and supervision.
Check for cleanliness—the facility should look and smell clean. Find out if the exterior runs have tops on them or if there is a double-gated system, so if a dog escapes, he is still in a confined area. Inspect the housing, making sure there are no broken wires, chewed-up wood, or other hard-to-clean materials in the kenneling area. Ask about the feeding and activity schedule—does it sounds right for your animal? Also pay attention to the staff members—are they friendly and knowledgeable? Is there a vet on call?
Additionally, you should inquire about any vaccinations your pet may need, such as bordetella (canine kennel cough), rabies, parvo, and distemper. The requirement of such vaccinations may help protect your pet and others.
If you are planning on boarding an older pet, says Jacque Lynn Schultz of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), make sure to discuss any health issues with the kennel operator. She also suggests checking the kennel temperature because older pets are more sensitive to temperature extremes. “If your pet is very old and in frail health, discuss how much veterinary intervention you expect if your [pet’s health] begins to fail,” Schultz says.
Finally, you’ll need to discuss the rates. Confirm what’s included in the stated price and ask if there are any extra fees. Many times boarding facilities have services available for an additional cost, such as grooming, training, or nail trimming.
Once you’ve selected the boarding facility best suited for your pet’s needs, be sure to make a reservation well in advance, especially if your trip falls during a busy holiday season.
Preparing your pet
“Before boarding the pet for a long vacation, try him out for a couple of long weekends first to get him used to the new environment,” Schultz suggests.
Once vacation time approaches, make sure your pet is current on vaccinations, has identification, and any medication he may need while you are away.
Creating a kennel experience as stress-free as possible is essential. Make your pet more comfortable by bringing along his own bedding or toys if it’s allowed. It’s also important to keep Fido’s diet the same. A good boarding facility will encourage you to pack food from home or will stock requested brands of food. Make sure to discuss your pet’s diet and feeding schedule with the staff.
If your pet is used to a lot of attention, you might consider paying (if necessary) for play sessions or individual walks. When you drop off your pet, remind the staff of your animal’s habits and preferences, as well as any medical or behavioral issues. In fact, it’s a good idea to make a list with this information to leave with the caregivers.
One important tip: Stay relaxed. “[Guardians] can contribute to bad [boarding] experiences,” Krack says. “Don’t make a big deal about leaving; you don’t want to get them upset.”
Consider it a vacation for your pet as well—like summer camp for kids. Being pack animals, dogs enjoy meeting new friends and once they become accustomed to new surroundings, they will most likely have a great time. Cats, although they prefer to be left alone, enjoy taking things in. “I’ve seen all kinds of interesting things—such as allowing cats to have their own viewing window to the outside where they can see a wild-bird feeder,” Krack says.
Once you’re home
Many times our instinct is to give our pets food and water first thing upon arriving home. But Krack suggests waiting at least four hours before doing so. For a dog, the excitement of coming home can cause him to gulp down his food or water, which may lead to intestinal distress (i.e., vomiting and/or diarrhea).
Says Krack, “[Pets] need time to calm down. Give them a little quiet time. Let them get into routine once they get home.”
