Mar 01, 2025 | By, For Pet's Sake
Pet boarding: How to keep your pet comfortable and safe during your spring travels
The spring season is a popular time for vacations, so many pet owners are seeking the best care options for their furry friends. Pet boarding can be a convenient solution, but it’s essential to prepare properly to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your pet.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to boarding your pet, including preparation tips, what to expect from a boarding facility, potential challenges, and alternative options.
Preparing your pet for boarding
Humans research their destination and pack accordingly, so they should do the same for their pets.
- Book early: Spring is a busy season for pet boarding facilities. Reserve your pet’s spot as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
- Update vaccinations and health records: Most boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and Bordetella (kennel cough), to help prevent the spread of disease among the pets staying there. Ensure your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and flea-free before dropping them off for boarding.
- Pack familiar items: Bringing your pet’s favorite blanket, toys, or even a piece of your clothing can help provide comfort and ease anxiety while they are in their private kennel.
- Provide special instructions: Inform the staff about your pet’s dietary needs, medications, and any behavioral quirks.
- Try a short stay first: If your pet has never been boarded, consider a short overnight stay before the longer trip to help them adjust to the new environment. Some boarding facilities also require a meet-and-greet session to acclimate the pet to the environment and to verify they are socialized enough for an extended stay there.
What to expect from a boarding facility
A reputable pet boarding facility should meet high standards of cleanliness, safety, and care. Pet owners should look for:
- A clean and secure environment: The facility should be well-maintained, with proper ventilation, sanitary conditions, and secure walls and doors.
- Qualified and attentive staff: The people caring for your pet should be experienced, friendly, and trained to handle different animal behaviors and emergencies.
- Adequate playtime opportunities: Pets should have scheduled play and exercise sessions to keep them active and engaged.
- Proper supervision: Staff should monitor pets closely to ensure their well-being and intervene if any conflicts arise. This means there should be enough staff on hand to handle the number of pets staying there at any given time. Inquire about cameras that allow owners to check in on how their pets are doing during playtime.
- Emergency protocols: A good facility will have a clear plan for medical emergencies. This may include a contact procedure for notifying the owner, having employees certified in first-aid care, and designating an emergency veterinarian for incidents that occur after hours.
Potential problems and how to avoid them
Even with careful planning, some issues may arise, including:
- Separation anxiety: Some pets may become anxious when left in an unfamiliar place. Choosing a facility that offers personalized attention and enrichment activities can help.
- Illness or injury: When animals interact with each other, the risk of illness and injury increases. Choosing a facility with strict health protocols and policies for separating pets based on size can minimize (but not eliminate) this risk.
- Dietary disruptions: Some pets may refuse to eat or experience digestive upset. Bringing your pet’s regular food can help maintain their normal diet.
- Behavioral changes: Some pets may act differently after boarding. Give them time to re-adjust, and provide plenty of reassurance when they return home.
Alternatives to traditional boarding
Boarding isn’t the right situation for all pets. If you are unable or unwilling to bring your pet with you on your vacation, you can consider these alternatives:
- Pet sitters: Hiring a professional pet sitter to care for your pet can provide comfort and consistency. Some pet sitters will have you bring your pet to their home, while others may come to your home periodically to play with your pet and let them outside to go potty.
- Friends or family: If a friend or family member is available, they might be a great option for pet care because of their familiarity and trustworthiness.
- Pet resorts or luxury boarding: Some facilities offer private rooms, webcams, and extra amenities for a more comfortable stay.
Pet owners should look forward to their vacations! Prepare early, find the best fit for your pet, and return from your getaway refreshed and worry-free because you chose to prioritize your pet’s safety and happiness.
Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.
