If you can’t find a friend or family member to watch your dog while you’re out of town, then your best bet is a pet boarding service. But if you’ve never boarded your dog before, you might be wondering what to expect from the pet boarding experience.
To help you with the process of choosing a pet boarding company, we’ve put together a list of steps to take, including meeting the staff and seeking out reviews from other dog owners. Take a look and find out what you need to know about booking your dog at a pet boarding facility.
Seek out reviews and recommendations
Finding someone that you trust to take care of your dog is no small task. As you start to research pet boarding services, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. If not, look up reviews for companies in your area and shortlist the ones that have numerous good reviews.
Meet the staff
Once you’ve decided on a prospective pet boarding business, you should set up a time to meet the staff. This meet-and-greet gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get to know the people that will be caring for your precious pup.
Tour the facilities
During your meeting with the staff, ask them to take you around their pet boarding facilities. Keep an eye out for spaces where your pooch can play, rest, and socialize. Make sure you’re comfortable with the indoor and outdoor spaces and verify that the facility suits all of your expectations.
Bring your dog for a trial run
When it comes to pet boarding, you should try to ease your dog into the experience. Before booking your dog for a long-term boarding appointment, it’s a good idea to start with a half-day or full-day of daycare first. Many boarding companies even require that you bring your dog in for at least one daycare session before they accept your dog for a longer stay.
Take your pup to the vet
To protect the health of your dog and others, pet boarding services will ask for proof of current vaccines. Typically, this includes rabies and the C5 vaccination, which covers hepatitis, distemper, Bordetella, and other common conditions. Some companies will also require (or at least recommend) that you supply your pup with heartworm and flea and tick medication beforehand. Older dogs will also need to be spayed or neutered in advance of boarding.
Discuss your dog’s needs and preferences
After you pick your pet boarding service, you should get the staff up to speed on your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Let them know about any behavioral issues, including separation anxiety or housebreaking difficulties. Also, be sure to disclose any food allergies or medications before leaving your furry friend in their care.
Although it can be nerve-wracking, there’s no need to worry about dropping off your dog at a boarding facility. As long as you’ve done your research and taken the proper preparative steps, your pet boarding experience should go smoothly.
For more resources on pet ownership, check out the PetPonder blog.
