You can alleviate your concerns about leaving your pet behind while on vacation by arranging ahead of time. Whether you board or have a pet sitter come to your place, you may do a few things to make your vacation easier for you and your pet. Finding great care for your dog or cat while you’re away might be difficult, but you’ve done your homework and believe you’ve located the ideal boarding facility.
Tips for preparing your pet for boarding.
Even the most relaxed, go-with-the-flow pets can be stressed by boarding, so you must take some precautions to ensure your pet is ready for the transition. Here are five steps to get your dog or cat ready for boarding:
Attempt a Trial Run
If your pet has never been boarded before, or if you’re going to a new facility, you should schedule a trial run a few weeks before you depart. Make an overnight boarding reservation for your pet and leave them for at least 24 hours to let them adjust to their new surroundings and routines.
This also allows the boarding staff to get to know your pet better before you go, making them better prepared for any oddities your pet may have, which sometimes require the assistance of a veterinary dentist or any other specialist. This little trial run may make it easier for you to drop off your dog or cat when it’s time to leave, resulting in less stress for you, your pet, and the boarding staff.
Adjust Sleep Habits
If your dog or cat is used to lying in your bed all night, they may need time to adjust when you take them to be boarded.
To assist your animal get acclimated to sleeping alone or in a kennel, try locking your bedroom door or, if required, putting your animal in a crate at night. If your pet screams or makes too much noise for you to sleep, consider bringing the crate into your bedroom, but do not let your pet sleep on your bed.
Keep the Comfort
While many pet boarding for dogs facilities provide creature comforts, nothing beats the smells and feeling of familiar goods from home. Most boarding facilities allow small items from home, such as a blanket, rug, or soft toy, to help keep your pet comfortable. These items will make your pet feel more at ease and secure in his or her new surroundings, resulting in a more enjoyable boarding experience.
Plan Your Drop-off
Plan to drop your pet off at the boarding facility early if your schedule permits it. This enables them the entire day to acclimate to their new surroundings, with more people present to assist them if they become stressed before going to bed. The extra time also allows you to call and check on your pet on the first day, making you feel a little more at ease during the night.
Consult the Vet
A recent vet exam and a current dog and cat vaccination are routine for all boarding facilities, both for the safety of your pet and other pets being boarded. Make an appointment with your veterinarian a week or so before your trip to ensure your pet is healthy enough to handle boarding and up-to-date on shots. Your vet may offer advice on how to assist your pet in adjusting to boarding.
Conclusion
Many pet owners wish they could take their animals everywhere, but this is not always possible. While separation can be stressful for you and your dog, boarding them gives you the peace of mind that he will receive the care and attention he requires. Follow the measures above as you prepare for your extended absence to lessen your pet’s worry and help you relax.