While the majority of dog owners in America prefer to take their pets on vacation with them rather than board them, there are situations when boarding a dog is the best choice.
If you have pet dogs at home and are considering taking a trip soon, you must decide whether to bring your pet along, leave him or her with friends, board them at a kennel, or hire a dog sitter.
These 10 things dog kennels and sitters wish you knew before taking in your dog will help you prepare your four-legged pet before you board a dog.
1. Make early reservations for dog boarding
On your way to the airport, don’t just go into a dog kennel and think there would be room. There are probably more dogs than kennels in America given the number of houses with dogs.
Make sure to call the kennel in advance to reserve your dog’s stay, especially during busy holiday seasons like the summer and Christmas.
This will also allow you time to investigate the facility or screen the dog sitter if you’re not familiar with the ones in your neighbourhood and want to make sure they’re a good fit.
2. Keep The Dog’s Exercise Needs In Mind
All dogs are unique, as anyone who has owned one will attest. Larger, younger breeds require more activity. Older, smaller dogs might be okay with just one daily stroll.
Find a free-to-roam facility if your dog is a high-energy breed that needs a lot of exercise each day.
This will allow your dog to obtain the exercise they require while running about in a gated area.
3. Disclose any behavioural issues
Not every dog enjoys playing with others. Before entrusting the care of your dog to the kennel staff, you should let them know if your dog lacks social skills or has an anxiety issue.
4. Distribute Immunization Records
Before putting your dog at a kennel, first check to see if they have received their vaccinations.
Most facilities will ask you to sign off on it before you visit, and if you lie about your dog’s vaccination status, you might get into a lot of trouble.
Dogs are susceptible to a wide variety of airborne viruses and infectious diseases. What if your dog acquired a sickness from an unvaccinated dog while you were away and you left them in a kennel? Exactly. Before boarding your dog at a new facility, be sure to consult your neighbourhood veterinarian or vet tech.
Some places are better prepared to handle dogs that are aggressive or anxious. Others would like only board pets who are free of any behavioural problems.
Be truthful. Of course, you have nothing but praise for your dog. However, if you are aware that your pitbull can become a little agitated around smaller dogs, be open about it.
5. Dog Kennels and Sitters Are Interested in Your Dog’s Medical Concerns
Personnel working in dog kennels and dog sitters will be interested in learning about your dog’s medical history in addition to immunisation records and behavioural issues.
Save yourself and the kennel owners the stress of having to phone you while you’re on vacation to ask whether your dog has arthritis, an ear infection, or just a benign bump on their back.
Consider hygiene as well. Before leaving your dog at a kennel, it’s a good idea to take them for a pet grooming session to make sure they’re beautiful and tidy for their home away from home.
6. Ensure You’re Using Tick-and-Flea Preventatives
Whether or not you board your dog in a kennel, using prophylactic drugs against fleas and ticks is a smart idea.
Dogs frequently contract fleas and ticks, especially if their preferred activity is roaming around without a leash in the woods or even at the dog park.
Make sure your dog has received complete anti-tick and anti-flea treatment before leaving them at a boarding kennel or with a dog sitter. If your dog infects someone else’s dog with fleas, nobody will be grateful.
7. Take Your Own Food Your dog’s food should not be provided by the kennel.
Their duty is to maintain the security, joy, and health of your dog.
The kennel does not, unless otherwise specified, offer dog food. There is no possibility for stores to carry every variety of dog food to suit every breed, size, and age because dogs have such diverse diets.
Starting a dog on a new food diet abruptly might have negative effects on their health, behaviour, and sleep cycle.
The incorrect meal might result in disorders like colitis, which inflames the colon and rectum.
8. Supply any required medication
Your dog may require additional treatment while you’re away in addition to the normal immunizations, flea and tick medication, and other medications.
Your pet dogs may require daily ear drops if they are prone to ear infections. Or you could put them on particular vitamins to treat their anxiety or arthritis.
Be careful to let the kennel staff know this and to bring any and all necessary medications for your dog.
9. Provide an emergency contact number
There is a crucial detail that many dog owners overlook. If you aren’t bringing your phone, be sure to leave your contact information or the hotel’s details.
The personnel at the dog kennel or the dog sitter must be able to reach you if something goes wrong or if they have any queries or worries regarding your dog.
Keep in touch with the outside world if you’ve left your dog at home while on vacation so the kennel can get in touch with you if necessary.
10. Research Your Options Before Boarding Your Dog
You wouldn’t entrust a total stranger to watch your children. Why then would you trust your dog or dogs to just any kennel or dog sitter?
Make sure to conduct your research before making a decision. Before making a choice, check out the services in person and read testimonials from previous clients.
Boarding a Dog
Knowing what dog kennels and dog sitters require from you can allow you to leave for your trip without worrying about your most devoted pet.
Please feel free to browse our blog for additional information on caring for Dogs.
