The last thing you want is for you or your pup to be stressed out when you need to leave them. Luckily, you can help ensure good care and put your mind at ease while away. Here, our vets talk about pet boarding in Arlington, TX, and what you should consider when choosing a facility for your dog.
You should always keep the best interests of your cat or dog in mind when making decisions about their care. When choosing to leave your cat or dog with a friend or at a pet boarding in Arlington, there are more options than ever before.
You should prepare a list of questions to ask and things to look for when visiting dog boarding facilities. This will help you to make your decision and ensure that you don't forget anything.
What to Take Into Consideration With Pet Boarding
Some of the main things to consider with cat or dog boarding in Arlington, TX, are :
- Always give the facility plenty of notice otherwise they may not have space for your pet.
- Carry out some research. Find out if the commercial boarding kennel is certified or a member of a professional organization. When interviewing a dog sitter, find out how long they've been doing it and how many repeat customers they've had. Always reach out to the provided references.
- Ask about which vaccines are mandatory for pets staying at the facility. Many kennels will demand Bordetella vaccinations, as well as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Are dogs checked for fleas and ticks as well?
- Only pick locations that are obviously clean and sanitary and make the health and care of your pet a primary concern. 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 where the dog will have access? Are these areas safe and clear of toxins?
- Watch how your dog and the staff interact with each other, 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 a mental note of how comfortable they make the pets that are in their care. This includes providing fresh drinking water, temperature control, ventilation, and shelter.
- Find out what happens if your dog has any healthcare needs or emergencies requiring medication and/or veterinary services. Check if the staff are trained in first-aid for cats and dogs.
- Take a look at their staff. Do they have team members on hand 24/7? Is there an evacuation plan in case of an emergency?
- Take a look at how they handle each pet. 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? Do they have cameras to keep an eye on everything even when they can't?
Preparing for Pet Boarding in Arlington, TX
When you are planning on boarding your cat or dog you will have your own responsibilities, including:
- Always carefully read through the rules and guidelines for the boarding facility. Before boarding your dog at a new 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.
- Stay calm and relaxed when you are dropping your pet off for boarding. Your pet will be able to feel everything that you are feeling. Your pet 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. Keep things simple, short, and positive to ease the transition.
- Understand that your pet may not quite act like themselves when they first get home. 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 you do not see your pet return to normal within a few days then you should schedule a veterinary visit.
Other Boarding Considerations
Make sure that you are prepared for the cost of pet boarding. Find out when you are expected to pick your pet up, and how much the late fees are. What about the cancellation policy? Some establishments demand a fee for late cancellations.
You can put everyone's mind at ease and make it an easier transition by scheduling a short, single-night stay for your pet to see how it responds to being at a boarding facility. Even a few hours of canine daycare can be an excellent litmus test. This will make your dog more comfortable with the experience and provide the caretaker with a greater understanding of your dog's needs. This will also give you a good baseline for how your dog will behave upon returning home from the boarding facility.
Trusting someone else to care for your canine partner is often the most difficult aspect of leaving town. Making the effort to locate a boarding facility that you can trust and that your dog appreciates will make all the difference in the long run.
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.