What is the Point of Pet Boarding?
Some dogs and cats settle into boarding easily and seem to enjoy the change of scene. Others pine away, refuse to eat and display behavior problems.
Check whether the kennel requires that your pet be up-to-date on all vaccinations, as well as on heartworm and flea and tick preventive medications. Also, ask if pets are separated.
Veterinary Care
Pet parents often face a dilemma when they must leave their pets behind for extended periods of time. They may need to travel for work, attend a wedding or go on vacation with their family. The last thing they want is for their pets to feel stress or anxiety. One way they can ensure their pets’ comfort and safety while they’re away is by boarding them at a reputable kennel.
A pet boarding facility in Dog Boarding Chico is an excellent option because it provides high-level supervision. Staff members are trained to recognize and interpret signs of distress or illness in a pet, including lethargy, loss of appetite, blood in the urine, diarrhea, coughing and discharge from the eyes and nose. They will also monitor your pet’s water intake and medication schedule to make sure they stay healthy and happy while you’re away.
While there are many pros to boarding your pet, it is not without its challenges. For instance, most dogs equate the veterinarian with unfortunate situations and therefore may become stressed when they’re boarded at a veterinary hospital. This stress can keep them from eating or cause them to self-injure which could lead to serious consequences.
Another concern is that pets housed at a veterinary boarding facility are often placed close to other sick animals. Dogs, in particular, are very empathetic creatures and can sense the pain and suffering of their fellow canines. While this may not necessarily be a problem for most pets, it is something to keep in mind when considering boarding your pet.
Fortunately, most pets are adaptable to the boarding experience and will have an excellent time at their kennel of choice. They will enjoy getting to know new people and other pets while they’re being cared for by a team of experts. It’s important that pet parents communicate with the boarding facility about any health or behavioral concerns they have for their pets. It’s also a good idea to bring your pet’s food and any medications, vitamins or supplements that they need during their stay. This will help prevent any confusion or miscommunication.
Socialization
The goal of boarding is to provide your pet with a safe, comfortable environment and quality care while you are away. In order to do that, a pet sitter will usually take your dog or cat on three to four daily walks and allow them opportunities for group socialization (if they are comfortable with other dogs). They’ll also feed your pet on a regular schedule using your favorite food to keep your pet healthy and familiar.
Most reputable boarding facilities have qualified staff who are often certified in training or behavior specialties, and they are equipped to handle the unique needs of each boarding client. For example, if your pet has specific exercise or feeding requirements, you may want to consider a kennel that offers options like outdoor play spaces or private rooms for cats and dogs who don’t interact well with other animals.
While the benefits of pet boarding are clear, some pets can experience anxiety or fear when they board. This is due to the unfamiliar environment and separation from their owners. Choosing the right facility and properly preparing your pet can help alleviate these concerns.
A disadvantage of facility boarding is that your pet will be in a shared space with many other dogs or cats. This can be overwhelming for pets who don’t thrive in a group setting and need lots of personal attention each day. Also, some boarding facilities offer only one walk per day for 30 minutes, which might not be enough exercise for active dogs.
In house boarding, your pet will be with a dedicated caretaker who can focus on them and their needs individually. You can also pass along specific instructions for your caretaker to follow, but this is typically less common than with facility boarding services.
Another benefit of house boarding is that you can choose a sitter based on your pet’s preferences and needs. Many dogs find comfort in their own toys, food and treats while boarding, so you can bring your pet’s dog toy or Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato jerky. In fact, some boarding services even let you bring your pet’s bedding to make the experience feel more like home.
Exercise
All dogs, even well-socialized pups, need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Boarding provides them with ample opportunities to play and run around, burning off excess energy so that they can sleep soundly at night. It also allows them to meet other dogs for socialization, which is a good thing, particularly for more reserved dogs, helping to lower their anxiety levels.
Most boarding facilities offer a lot of supervised outdoor activities, including time in large indoor and outdoor play areas, so your pet will get plenty of exercise. However, it is important to check with your chosen kennel before boarding your dog to find out exactly what the facility offers. Some boarding facilities may have set times for mealtimes and exercise, which can be beneficial to pets who respond positively to routine.
Some dogs are prone to separation anxiety when they are away from home, and this can manifest in destructive behavior. While it is possible to desensitize a dog to separation anxiety, some pets will not be able to cope with it and will need a sitter to come into their homes for long periods. This is a very difficult situation to overcome for both the pet and the owner, and while boarding can help reduce this stress and anxiety, it will not eliminate it entirely.
When boarding a pet, it is important to bring familiar items from home such as toys, blankets and food dishes. This helps the animal feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and will prevent them from feeling like they are being abandoned by their owners. In addition, it is best to avoid overfeeding your pet just before boarding them because this can lead to an upset stomach and may be harmful to their health. Finally, it is important to make sure that your pet has all of the required vaccinations and records before they go into a boarding facility. This will ensure that the boarding facility can take care of your pet, and will be able to contact you if there are any problems during their stay.
Training
Most pet owners will need to leave their pets with someone other than themselves at some point, whether it be because they’re going on vacation, a family emergency, or another reason. While well-meaning friends and neighbors may offer to care for your pets while you’re gone, their experience with your specific cat or dog could be limited. In addition, they might not be able to provide the same level of care as a professional boarding facility.
Boarding is also often more affordable than hiring a private pet sitter and can be more convenient if you have several pets to care for in one place. However, it’s important to research boarding facilities and visit them before leaving your dog or cat for the first time. This allows your pet to explore the new environment and meet its caregivers before you leave. This can help reduce anxiety for both you and your pet.
Visiting the boarding facility is also an opportunity to check out the kennels and enclosures where your pet will stay. The kennels should be clean and tidy and surrounded by secure fencing to keep your pet safe while it’s there. Some boarding facilities will let you view the kennels through a window, while others don’t allow visitors so that your pet doesn’t become fearful around strangers.
Many boarding facilities will have staff that are trained in behavior and training specialties, so your pet’s needs will be met even if you can’t be there to make sure they’re being taken care of properly. This is particularly important for a pet with specialized medical needs that require regular medication and monitoring, such as diabetes or heartworm medications.
On the other hand, boarding can be more stressful for some dogs and cats, especially those with separation anxiety or who don’t get along well with other animals. These pets might feel overwhelmed by the routine of a boarding facility, which can include strict feeding and exercise schedules and playtime with other dogs or cats. This can lead to resource guarding, aggression, or altercations that can be dangerous.
Some dogs and cats settle into boarding easily and seem to enjoy the change of scene. Others pine away, refuse to eat and display behavior problems. Check whether the kennel requires that your pet be up-to-date on all vaccinations, as well as on heartworm and flea and tick preventive medications. Also, ask if pets are…