When you’re considering boarding your pet, it’s vital to find a situation that’s comfortable for both you and your dog. There are more options than ever before to select from when putting your pet in the care of other pet owners. Apart from boarding kennels, there are dog sitters that will take your dog at their house or your own.
An ideal place to start is by asking your veterinarian, groomer, dog-owning friends or neighbors for names of the boarding kennels or dog sitters they would recommend. It’s important to know the right questions to ask and the right things to look for when finding the right “home-away-from-home” dog boarding chiang mai boarding experience for your dog.
Dog Boarding Checklist
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Contact the dog sitter or kennel far in advance of your trip to schedule an appointment for both you and your dog.
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Do due diligence. If you’re looking at an animal boarding facility that is commercially operated Find out whether they’re certified and part of an organization that is professional. If you’re interviewing a person inquire about how long the person has been dog sitting , and how many clients they’ve had as repeat clients. Also, look up some references.
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Learn about the requirements for immunization. A majority of kennels require a Bordetella shot, in addition to rabies, distemper, hepatitis or parvovirus, as well as parainfluenza. Do dogs also get screened for fleas and ticks?
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Be on the lookout for safe, clean and safe environments. You should have adequate, securely-fenced exercise areas and sleeping areas that are comfortable and non-slip surfaces. Do you have the right to visit any kennel or home that your dog can have access to? Are they secure and free of harmful chemicals?
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Take a look at the caretakers’ faces and see what they do with your dog. How many dogs will they be caring for at one time? How much exercise do dogs get, and how often do they get out for a bath? What type of animal care education and training does the veterinary professional possess?
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Review the provisions that are made to ensure the safety of boarders. This includes drinking water that is fresh, temperature control, ventilation, and shelter.
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Find out what happens should your dog have any health issues or emergency that require medication and/or veterinary services. Find out if your pet’s care professional is certified to provide pet first-aid.
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Evaluate the staffing situation. Do you have a competent staff available 24 hours a day? Do you have a plan for evacuation in the event there is an emergency?
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Watch the handling of dogs. Is any interaction allowed between dogs? How is it supervised?
Other Considerations When Boarding Your Dog
Quality is of course the most important factor But costs are important when it comes to deciding on the quality of a boarding establishment. Find out what the daily and nightly costs are and if it includes individual attention, administering medications, and bathing. What type of payment is accepted, and do you pay at the time you collect your pet? What’s the time for checkout and what’s the price you charged for being late? And what is the cancellation policy? Certain places charge a fee for late cancellations, which could be justified if they’ve refused other bookings.
If your dog hasn’t been taken care of before, think about an overnight stay prior to the duration of your stay. Even a few hours of doggie daycare can be a good test. It will allow your dog to be more comfortable with the experience , and also give the caretaker a better idea of your dog’s needs. This will also give you the opportunity to observe the way your dog behaves when you pick them up. Is your dog desperate to go? Tired but happy? Do you want to say goodbye to the caretaker? The caretaker should provide an in-depth report on the way your dog responded to the new setting.
When you pick up your dog at boarding facilities, bring food, medical and vet details, bedding, as well as the toys they love. Make sure you leave current contact information as well being an emergency contact. When you leave, be positive and optimistic. Keep the goodbyes short and sweet.
If you are picking up your pet from the kennel for boarding or the dog’s watcher’s house, don’t give them food or water for at minimum four hours following your return. The dog is likely to be excited and this can lead to vomiting, food gulping and diarrhea. If they seem thirsty offer a few ice cubes rather than water. After that, allow your dog to relax and take a nap.
One of the biggest challenges of leaving town is letting someone else take care of your furry friend. Making the effort to locate an option that you are confident in and one your dog enjoys will be the most important factor at the final.
