When you’re looking to board your pet, it’s vital to choose a place that is suitable for you as well as your dog. Nowadays, there are more options than ever to pick from when you are leaving your dog in the hands of someone else. Apart from boarding kennels, there are dog sitters that will take your dog in their home or yours.
A good place to start is by asking your veterinarian, groomer, dog-owning friends, or neighbors for the names of kennels for boarding or dog sitters they would recommend. It’s important to know the right questions to ask and the right things to look for when finding the right “home-away-from-home” dog boarding chiang mai boarding experience for your dog.
Dog Boarding Checklist
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Contact the kennel or dog sitter at least a month before your trip to schedule your visit with your dog.
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Do due diligence. If you’re considering commercial dog boarding facilities check whether they’re certified or an official member of a professional association. If you’re interviewing someone ask how long the individual has been dog sitting and the number of repeat customers they’ve had. Additionally, you can check a few references.
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Learn about the requirements for immunization. Some kennels require an Bordetella shot, in addition to Hepatitis, distemper or parvovirus, as well as parainfluenza. Are dogs also examined for ticks and fleas?
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Watch out for clean, secure, and sanitary conditions. There should be adequate, secured exercise areas as well as sleeping areas that are comfortable and non-slip flooring. Do you have the right to visit all the areas of the kennel or home that the dog will have access to? Are they secure and free of chemicals that harm your dog?
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Take a look at the caretakers’ faces and see what they do with your dog. How many dogs will they care for at one time? How much exercise do dogs get and how often are they taken out for elimination? What type of animal care education and training does the veterinary professional possess?
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Check out the amenities that have been made to ensure the safety of boarders. This includes drinking water that is fresh in addition to temperature control, air conditioning and shelter.
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Learn what to do when your dog is suffering from health issues or emergency that require medical attention or veterinary treatment. Find out if your pet’s care provider is certified in pet first-aid.
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Assess the staffing requirements. Do you have the right employees on the premises 24 hours per day? Is there a plan of evacuation in the event in the event of an emergency?
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Watch the handling of dogs. Does any interaction take place by dogs with others? How carefully is this being monitored?
Other Considerations When Boarding Your Dog
The quality of the facility is essential however, costs are equally crucial when choosing the best boarding facilities. Find out what the daily/nightly costs are and if this includes walks, individual attention, the administration of medications, and bathing. What payment method are they accepting and how much do you have to pay when you pick up your dog? What’s the closing time, and how much are you charged if you’re not on time? And what is the cancellation policy? Some establishments charge a penalty for cancellations that are late, which could be justified if they’ve cancelled other bookings.
If your dog was not taken care of before, think about an overnight visit before spending a longer time. Even a short afternoon of doggie care can be an effective test. It will allow your dog to feel more at ease with the process and give your caretaker a greater understanding about your dog’s requirements. It also gives you a chance to observe the manner in which your dog behaves when you take them away. Is your dog desperate to leave? Tired but happy? Do you want to say goodbye to your caretaker? Ask the caretaker for a detailed verbal report of how your dog’s reaction to the change in environment.
If you are taking your dog to boarding bring their food, their health and veterinarian information, bed, and your dog’s favorite toys. Make sure to include up-to date contact information as well as an emergency contact. When you leave, stay positive and positive. Make the goodbyes brief and sweet.
If you are picking up your pet from the boarding kennel , or dog watcher’s home, don’t give them food or water for at least four hours after you return home. They will likely be excited and this can lead to food gulping, vomiting, and diarrhea. If they appear thirsty, offer a few cold cubes of ice instead of water. Then, let your dog lay down and rest.
One of the biggest challenges of leaving town is letting someone else take care of your pet companion. Finding a boarding option you trust and that your dog will enjoy will make all the difference in the end.
