It can be difficult finding the right place to leave your pet while you're away. Today, our Danbury vets explain what you should look for in a boarding facility and what you can expect.
Finding a Boarding Facility
The following are some of the things that you should both know and take into consideration before you select a boarding facility (also called a kennel) for your canine companion.
Check the Rules & Policies
Before boarding your pet at any facility, make sure to ask the staff there about their regulations, rules, and policies (including what kinds of services they offer to pets boarding with them. Information you may ask about during this conversation can include the kind of food they feed pets who aren't sent with their own specialty food for their stay, what kinds of toys (if any) you can send with your pet from home, and what their emergency procedures are.
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your pet.
Check Vaccination Requirements
While each pet boarding kennel will have its own criteria for the minimum level of pet vaccinations that must be up to date, they will share some general requirements such as rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Make sure you ask a prospective boarding facility about what vaccinations they require, so you can update your pooch's immunizations and produce proof of your pet's vaccinations before their stay.
Many common pet illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. Because of this, fulfilling a boarding facility's immunization requirements helps keep your pooch and the other pets at the facility safe.
Visit the Facility Ahead of Time
Kennels that serve as a stay-cation for a lot of pets can get messy quickly. While a boarding facility won't be able to be kept sterile, any high-quality kennel will still look and smell clean and well-kept.
To make sure a prospective boarding facility is up to snuff, visit the kennel and make sure it's kept organized and clean before your pet's stay.
Trust Your Instincts
We believe that trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a kennel for your pet. If you don't feel comfortable with a place, look for another. If they have a policy you don't like, look around at different kennels until you find one that you can trust completely.
Before & After Your pet's Stay
Keep Your Emotions in Check
pets are experts at reading the emotions of their pet parents. Your pooch will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your pet's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier, keep things simple, short, and positive.
Possible Behavioral Changes After Boarding
It's important to understand that during the first few days after your pet comes home from the kennel, they may behave a little differently. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your pet's excitement about coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Boarding Your Pet at Mill Plain Veterinary Clinic
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for pets and cats in Danbury.
We are proud to be able to provide your animal companion with a comfortable, welcoming, and warm home away from home while you need to be out of town. Some of the services we offer include medical boarding, private kennels, a separate boarding section for cats, and an outdoor play area for pets.
Learn More About pet Boarding at Mill Plain Animal Clinic
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs.
