Boarding Your Pet

The world has become more “pet friendly” allowing pets in public places, driven by the desire for owners to keep their pets with them as much as they are able. Despite this social shift, there may come a time when a dog or cat needs to board at a facility. This may occur because the owners may be going to a place where pets are still not allowed, they may be traveling where they cannot properly care for their pet, there could be an emergency where an owner needs to be in the hospital, or they could be undergoing construction on their home that does not make it safe for their pets to be there. Whatever the reason, owners should be as prepared as they can for boarding their pet.

Planning for boarding: Contact the boarding facility well in advance as many facilities book up quickly. Inquire about the specific requirements for your pet such as vaccines, negative fecal test results, etc.  Some places will also require pets to be on flea/tick prevention. Ask the facility if they require you to bring your own food, bedding, bowls, etc. or if the facility will provide those. If your pet needs medications or a special diet, make sure the facility is comfortable administering those. Be sure the staff can reach you if there is an emergency or if your pet becomes sick during the stay. If you may be unreachable, leave the contact details for a person who can make decisions while you are away.

Finding the right place: Connect with the boarding facility you plan to use and ask how they are set up. Do they walk dogs together or allow them to interact during the stay? How much exercise do they offer and how big are the kennels/cages? What is their protocol if your pet gets sick? How do they prevent pets from escaping? It is also important to know their hours of operation and how many staff members are involved. Ask if the facility offers tours. If possible, have your pet board for a weekend to see how they do and meet the staff. Not every boarding facility is set up to cater to all pet personalities.  A pet that needs socialization and exercise will need a different environment than a pet that prefers quiet and no interaction with other animals or one who needs close medical monitoring.

Aftermath of boarding:  Most pets will settle in quickly and do quite well. However, it is common for some to have decreased appetites or even gastrointestinal upset (vomiting/diarrhea) during their stay. Their routine, surroundings, and caretakers are different, so it can cause some anxiety. Some pets will have trouble urinating or defecating outside if it is not what they are used to. Pets can also be vocal and aggressive due to their stress. In any of these situations, the boarding staff should be trained to recognize these issues and have a protocol to address them. Sometimes it will require special food or supplements; sometimes it will require special medication to help keep the pets calm; rarely it can be severe enough to warrant ending the boarding stay early or not boarding in the future. Be sure to talk with the boarding staff when you pick your pet up to find out exactly how they did.

Boarding can be stressful, but with proper planning and communication between you and your boarding facility, it can go smoothly and be an invaluable service.