With the holidays just around the corner, you may be making travel plans for a vacation. While taking a vacation is exciting, the sad part is that you must leave your pet behind. Most pet owners experience feelings of guilt doing so.
It takes a great deal of trust to leave your pet in someone else’s care for any amount of time. You want to be sure that your furry friend will be safe when you leave them and have the best care.
These days, there are pet boarding facilities where you can leave your pet for a certain period. These facilities are more than just kennels and cages. Modern pet boarding facilities offer camp-like or resort-like experiences for dogs, cats, and other pets. Some facilities offer luxury packages with agility equipment, pet-friendly television shows, swimming pools, comfortable beds, and other amenities.
Here is what to look for when choosing the right boarding facility for your pet.
Most states require pet boarding facility inspections to ensure they meet mandated standards. Check if the facility has a license or certificate from the American Boarding Kennels Association. If the facility is certified, you can rest assured that the facility passed the necessary inspections and meets quality care, safety, and professionalism standards.
Do not just settle for the first pet boarding facility you come across. Ensure you visit several facilities before choosing one. If you happen to walk into a pet boarding facility and you feel uncomfortable, do not waste another minute there.
If you are uncomfortable, it means your pet will feel the same way. A good boarding facility should be inviting and smell and look clean. Ensure you inspect the entire facility for safety hazards. Also, check the condition of the playing and sleeping quarters.
A professional pet boarding facility will be careful to find out if your pet is up to date with their vaccinations before accepting them. This ensures all animals are healthy to avoid contamination and the spread of diseases in the facility. Also, the staff will ask if your pet has any pre-existing health conditions to ensure special attention and care.
A good pet boarding facility should have an in-house veterinarian on call. This will allow you peace of mind knowing that your pet is in safe hands in case of a medical emergency. You should also observe how the staff treats the animals in the facility.
Professional and experienced staff are friendly and know how to treat pets so that they feel safe and comfortable. Ensure the facility has an open line of communication so you can check up on your animal companion when need be.
Once you settle for the right boarding facility for your pet, there are some things you need to find out. Ask how the staff handles emergency cases in case your pet gets injured or sick. Find out if you can bring your pet’s beddings, toys, or food. Do not forget to inquire about additional charges for cuddling, playtime, training, or extra walks.
Take your pet to the boarding facility for a visit beforehand. Sit with them at the reception area and allow the staff to interact with them. You can also walk your pet around the facility to familiarize them with the new environment. If your pet is anxious, you can consider taking their favorite blanket or toy at the facility to give them a familiar scent.
To know how to find the right boarding facility for your pet, visit Liberty Pet Resort & Wellness Center at our office in Cumming, Georgia. You can also call (770) 886-9936 to book an appointment today.