There are many different situations that may require you to board your pet, whether you are going on vacation or have a big deadline at the office that is causing you to work late nights. Thankfully, boarding facilities provide both pet and owner with a far less stressful situation when it comes time to leave home.
If it is your first time boarding your pet, it is not uncommon to experience nerves and some anxious feelings. However, there are a few steps you can take before your boarding date approaches to help ease your nerves.
For Starters:
Make sure that you choose a facility that you feel comfortable with and that you have time to get to know before you have to leave your furry friend for a week. Look for a facility that will allow you to tour the premises, as this is one of the best ways for you to get to know who will be taking care of your pup and what kind of experience they will have. It is also important to keep in mind that boarding facilities can vary drastically, which is why it is important to plan ahead and make sure you feel comfortable before dropping your dog or cat off.
Below you will find a few more tips to help ease your mind when it comes to boarding your pet while you go on vacation. Boarding is just one of the many veterinary services offered at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, and we are always here to answer any questions you may have about our facility or anything else. Our compassionate vet team strives to do everything we can to make sure both you and your pet have a wonderful experience, whether your pet is staying with us for a few days or you are coming in for a regular checkup.
With that being said, here are the tips to help you feel better about boarding your pet with us:
Tour the Boarding Facility
One of the best pieces of advice we can give when it comes to boarding your pet is to tour the facility before you drop them off. We all know how hectic things can get leading up to a vacation, but it is nonetheless important you make time to tour the boarding kennel in advance. Again, this will give you peace of mind that your beloved pooch or kitty is in good hands while you are relaxing on the beach.
Bring your Pet’s Food Along
The best boarding facilities will encourage you to bring your dog or cat’s food along for their stay so that they feel as comfortable as possible. This is especially true of dogs with sensitive stomachs and those who struggle with being away from their familiar setting.
Inform the Boarding Facility of any Special Needs
If your pup or kitty has a sensitive stomach or takes longer than usual to adjust when separated from you, be sure to inform the vet. The more information the better! It may be a good idea to write a short list of specific needs or behaviors so they can provide even better care for your pet while you are away.
Bring a Toy, Blanket, Bed, or other Reminder of Home
Whether this is your first time boarding your pet or one of many, we encourage you to bring something like a blanket, toy, or dog or cat bed so that they feel as comfortable as possible.
Call and Check on Your Pet, but Not Too Often
There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling the boarding facility to make sure your pet is doing well while you are away. If you are only going to be gone for a day or two, this may not be necessary, but if your vacation is going to last a week or more, calling once or twice during your trip is just fine. Not only will you feel better for it, but also it will show the boarding facility you are thinking of your pet!
We hope these tips help you feel better about boarding your pet with us while you are away. Our boarding services are intended to provide you with a reliable, loving, and trusting option when you need to leave town. To learn more about any of our veterinary services, specifically boarding, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop by our office today.
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