Boarding Your Pet With Professionals
When travel, illness, or family emergencies interrupt normal care, people frequently face the dilemma of what to do with their pets. Some pet owners try to solve this problem by taking their animals with them, but they find that hotel restrictions, illness brought on by travel, and runaway animals can ruin their trip. Some pet owners leave their animals in the care of good-hearted but untrained neighbors or friends rather than opting for professional boarding services or pet house sitting services.
Again, the outcomes are frequently disappointing. As a result of a lack of consistent, dependable, and knowledgeable supervision, pets entrusted to such part-time custodians frequently escape or become seriously ill. Fortunately, professional boarding services are utilized by the majority of pet owners who require alternative care for their animals. Over 30 million pet owners acknowledge annually that the most dependable, secure, and safe pet care is provided by full-time, knowledgeable, and experienced boarding kennel operators.
Successful Boarding
The objectives of boarding your pet rely on responsible pet carers for healthy, happy pets. The professionals and the owner of the pet need to work together on this. In response to numerous requests from pet owners, the American Boarding Kennels Association provides a list of the characteristics you should look for in a kennel and offers suggestions on how to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible on the pages that follow. The kennels can be found in a variety of ways that are most convenient for you:
- Yellow Pages: The most common method of advertising for kennels is through the yellow pages. Keep in mind, though, that the facility's quality does not depend on how big the advertisement is.
- Friends' Recommendations: The best kind of recommendation a kennel can get is from satisfied clients. Discuss your own experiences with your neighbors and friends. Referrals can be obtained from the kennel in question or from your veterinarian.
- Bureau of Business Ethics: A phone call to inquire about your neighborhood kennels is appropriate if your community has a better Business Bureau. Ask about a particular kennel's reputation and whether there have been any complaints.
The 3S
- Security: Your pet might try to "find" you while you are away. Pets can escape from inexperienced individuals who might be asked to watch your pet due to this tendency and the fact that very few homes are designed with pet safety in mind. On the other hand, the purpose of boarding kennels is to keep accidents of this kind from happening.
During your visit to the kennel, look for gates and fencing that are sturdy and well-kept, as well as dividers between the runs. Inform the kennel manager if your dog is an adept climber, digger, or other "escape artist" so that additional security measures (wire-covered runs, gate locks, etc.) can be implemented. Cats always need places that are covered.
- Safety: The areas of your pet's safety kennel should be free of sharp objects, toxic chemicals, and anything else your pet might swallow. Your pet should have solid dividers between him or her and the other boarders in the primary enclosure (sleeping quarters), both for safety reasons and so that he or she can rest and sleep without feeling threatened by the other boarders.
Male dogs should not be able to urinate in adjacent runs if there are high enough barriers between runs in the exercise area. Even when they are wet, surfaces should have good traction. Equipment for fighting fires ought to be readily available.
- Supervision: Proper supervision is essential for successful boarding. Someone who has been trained to recognize the symptoms of illness and distress should check on pets on a regular basis throughout the day. Lethargy, severe intestinal disorders, urinary problems, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or discharges from the eyes or nose are all symptoms that require experience and practical knowledge.
However, not all of these indicators can be significant. Kennel staff members who are competent are taught to recognize and evaluate these symptoms and to seek veterinary assistance when necessary. As a result, you should try to assess the kennel staff's expertise.
Provisions for the Comfort of Animals
- Temperature Management: The kennel should be able to maintain temperatures within acceptable ranges for your pets' health and comfort. Check to see if special arrangements can be made if your pet is older or needs warmer or colder accommodations than are typically provided.
- Guarding Against the Elements: The exercise areas should offer protection from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and wind.
- Ventilation: Airborne bacteria and viruses are less likely to spread if there is adequate ventilation and no drafts.
- Light: During the day, the lighting should be at a level that is comfortable.
- Bedding: Find out how the bedding for pets is handled. Bedding, newspaper, and resting platforms can be found in some kennels. Some people want you to bring your own bedding. Check to see if there are any restrictions on the owner's bedding.
- Housing for the Night: As you probably are aware from noticing your pet, a large portion of their time is spent resting or dozing. This should be accommodated in your kennel. It should be dry, clean, and spacious enough for your pet to stretch out, turn around, and stand up in comfort.
- Add on Services: While their pets are in the kennel for boarding, many pet owners find it convenient to schedule grooming, bathing, or training sessions. Find out if such services are offered. The kennel may even be able to take care of shipping your pet if you are moving. A service like this can help ensure your pet's safety and save you time and effort.
How to Evaluate a Professional
After locating local boarding professionals, you can choose which one to use by:
- Calling by Phone: Call to find out if your pet can stay in the kennel. Many kennels are full and cannot accommodate your pet during busy seasons like Christmas and the summer break. Additionally, on the grounds that a few pets require exceptional taking care of or facilities all pet hotels may not acknowledge them. Schedule a time to visit the kennel while you are on the phone.
- Paying A Personal Visit: To determine whether the kennel will be satisfactory, a personal visit is necessary in case you do not want to opt for overnight house sitting services. Observe or inquire about all your enquiries or exceptional instances during your visit.
Why Go For Professionals and Not Friends/Family?
In contrast to family or friends, professionals are always a better option for boarding your pet. They acquire new knowledge and skills by participating in their association's educational programs. Not only do professionals demonstrate their dedication to ethical, high-quality pet care, this is also an assurance to you as a pet owner, that your pet's time away from you will be as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, establishing a positive relationship with a boarding facility will make life much simpler for you, your family, and your pet. If you follow some of the recommendations in this guide before and after you board your pet, you will have a pleasant and cost-effective vacation for everyone in your family. Do your research ahead of time and rely on the proprietor of your kennel to ensure a pleasant and secure return when you arrive. For more information or to avail services of our pet care services, visit Pawnanny.com .
