If you need to go out of town, whether it's for business or vacation, it can be difficult to decide what you should do with your beloved companion. Today, our Mandeville vets share some of the things to look for when you are considering dog boarding and how you can prepare to make it a comfortable transition.
When looking for boarding kennels for your dog, it's critical to consider the needs of both you and your dog. This is because when it comes to leaving your dog at home or a boarding facility, there are more options than ever before.
If you're looking for a boarding kennel for your dog, you should know what questions to ask and what to look for. A smart place to start is to ask your veterinarian, groomer, dog-owning friends, or neighbors for recommendations on boarders or dog sitters.
Things To Consider With Dog Boarding in Mandeville
Here, our vets at Riverside Veterinary Hospital offer some of the things to look for when you are considering dog boarding.
- Be sure to contact the dog boarding facility as far in advance as possible to ensure that they have space and you have time to prepare.
- Research the available pet sitters or dog boarding facilities in Mandeville. Ask for information such as how long they have been in business and if there are any references you can contact.
- Find out what immunizations are required. Many kennels will demand Bordetella vaccinations, as well as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Are dogs checked for fleas and ticks as well?
- Keep an eye out for places that are clean, safe, and sanitary. There should be enough exercise and sleeping places that are securely fenced and have pleasant non-slip surfaces. Is it acceptable for you to visit all parts of the kennel or residence to where the dog will have access? Are they safe and devoid of hazardous chemicals?
- Meet the caregivers and pay attention to how they connect with your dog. How many dogs will they look after at once? How much exercise do the dogs get, and how frequently are they taken out to relieve themselves? What kind of education and training does the provider have in animal care?
- Take stock of provisions made for the comfort of borders. This includes fresh drinking water, temperature control, ventilation, and shelter.
- Find out what happens if your dog has healthcare needs or emergencies requiring medication and veterinary services. Determine if the pet care provider is certified in pet first-aid.
- Inquire about the staffing situation. How often will your dog be monitored? What is the protocol for emergency situations?
- Observe the handling of the dogs. Is any interaction allowed with other dogs? How well is this supervised?
- Is there a night shift? Will there be someone at least in earshot of the dogs in case something happens? Are there cameras monitoring the dogs at night in case something happens?
Ways To Help Prepare Your Dog For Boarding
When it comes to boarding your pet, it is not all up to the pet boarding facility staff. You will need to do a few things to prepare yourself and your dog for the visit. Here is a list of things that you can do to help make pet boarding in Mandeville a success.
- Take some time to become acquainted with the rules of the pet boarding facility Before starting care with a new dog boarding facility, inquire about its policies, procedures, and services. For instance, what kind of food do they feed the dogs, what items can you bring from home (toys, blankets, etc.), what their emergency procedures are, and if they can administer your dog's medication? Inquiring about the policies, procedures, and services provided by the facilities can assist you in determining the best home away from home for your dog.
- Be sure to manage your emotions when you are dropping your dog off for care. Your dog will be able to sense how you are feeling during the drop-off. Your dog can tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. This will be reflected in your dog's mood and behavior, making it more difficult for them to relax once you leave. Try to keep goodbyes quick in order to minimize time for emotions to take effect and make the process smoother.
- When your dog first arrives home, he or she may exhibit a variety of behaviors. It's critical to understand that your dog may act strangely in the first few days after returning from the kennel. Your dog may be clingy, lethargic, or suffering from diarrhea. They may even consume more food or drink than usual. This, however, is a normal reaction to your dog's excitement at returning home. If a few days have passed and you are still concerned then you should contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination.
Other Things To Consider With Dog Boarding
Before your visit be sure to have all of the information you need including the total cost as well as knowing what is included in that cost. Will you need to bring anything for your dog? What is the checkout time, and how much are late fees charged? What about the cancellation policy? Some establishments demand a fee for late cancellations.
Some dog boarding facilities offer daily/short-term stays to help prepare for a long visit. A stay for only a few hours, while you are running errands, can help tell us a lot about how your dog will do during a full boarding visit. This will make your dog more comfortable with the experience and provide the caretaker with a greater understanding of your dog's needs. It will also allow you to monitor how your dog behaves when you pick them up.
Trusting someone else to care for your canine companions can be extremely difficult for any pet parent. Taking the effort to locate a pet boarding facility in Mandeville that you can trust and that your dog feels comfortable at will make a difference in the experience as a whole.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.