If you have an extended vacation or business trip coming up and you don't have anyone to watch your pet, you might be scrambling to figure out what to do with your furry best friend. Luckily, this is the exact scenario where a pet boarding business can come to the rescue. Pet boarding businesses will essentially take temporary ownership of your dog, cat or other animal while you are away and make sure your pet is well taken care of while you are gone. If you've never put your pet into boarding before, here are three tips to keep in mind.
Bring Items From Home
Some pets are more clingy than others when it comes to spending time away from their owner but you may be able to help ease your pet's anxiety by bringing along favorite items. This could include the pet's favorite toys or perhaps a special kind of food or treat that you'd like the pet to be served. Most pets are smart creatures and will know that their owner is not around, but you can at least give the boarding business a fighting chance of keeping your pet distracted from that fact with the right collection of favorite items.
Give Specific Instructions About Interacting With Other Pets
Most pet boarding businesses should ask you a question along these lines before you drop your pet off anyway, but just in case, it's important that you can communicate whether or not your pet can handle being around other animals. If your pet is the social type and is not hostile, it might be best to make sure it can spend some time each day with other pets at the facility. If you are concerned about pet lashing out at someone or something, give clear written instructions that your pet is not to be put into close proximity with other pets.
Find a Pet Boarding Facility With the Right Options for Your Pet
Most good pet boarders are able to accommodate a wide variety of pets. That said, make sure you ask for a tour of the facility and pay attention to areas that would be best for your pet. For example, if you own a large dog that grows restless when cooped up inside all day, make sure you ask to see the outdoor area and ensure that it is large enough to keep your pet happy until you return. If the pet boarder does not have a specific outdoor area, they may be able to accommodate in other ways, such as giving your pet a daily walk.
When putting your pet up for boarding, come prepared with lots of favorite toys and treats to help the boarder keep your pet occupied. It's also a good idea to write out any specific instructions about social interactions between your pet and others at the facility and don't forget to take a tour and call out any specific areas that could help make your pet's stay an enjoyable one. Reach out to a local pet boarding facility today for more information.
