The summer / Christmas holidays are fast approaching and many of you will be setting off for the annual family break, which sadly may not include your pet. This is often a time when you have to say goodbye and leave them behind in a boarding facility. But how do you know they will enjoy their break as much as you do ?!Here are some tips to help you and your pet prepare for the kennels!
As far as possible book your pet into the boarding facility as soon as you know the dates you will be away. Especially if you are planning to go away over a popular time i.e.; Easter/Christmas . There is nothing worse than panicking at the last minute, trying to find a suitable spot in a reliable kennel or cattery and maybe ending up with second rate accommodation.
1. GO AND TAKE A LOOK
It is always a good idea to get references from friends who have successfully used a kennel or cattery, but everyone’s expectations are different. The best thing to do is go and have a look around. Most respectable kennels/ catteries will be more than happy for you to do so. It will put your mind at rest that your pet will be happy in the environment, and you won’t have any last-minute surprises!
Most facilities will insist that your pet is fully up to date with its vaccines and will commonly ask for your dog to be vaccinated against Bordetella Bronchiseptica or Kennel cough as well. Kennel cough is a bit like the common cold, it spreads easily and although we can only vaccinate against the worst strains it is well worth it, particularly for those vulnerable youngsters and older dogs. Unfortunately, keeping lots of dogs or cats in one place means that, if there are any bugs around, the chances of them spreading will be good. Your pet maybe stressed in its new environment and be more susceptible to disease. Therefore, making sure your pet is fully vaccinated is important.
Make sure you treat your pet with a good flea/tick treatment before they head off to the kennels. This should keep them free of any possible parasites they may encounter whilst they are boarding. You don’t want to risk your pet getting sick or you taking home any unwanted guests when your holiday is over.
4. DISCUSS FOOD AND MEDICATION
Discuss your pets food, preferred diet and frequency of feeding with the kennel staff. Most kennels are pretty good about catering to their ‘clients’ needs within reason. You may need to supply food if they can’t accommodate you. You don’t want your pet to develop diarrhoea or any other problems whilst you are away.
The same applies to any medications your pet may need to take. Be sure the staff are well informed as to when, what and how the medication should be administered.
5. HOME COMFORTS
Take something from home that your pet is fond of, whether it is a bed, box , basket, blanket , toy or all of the above! It will help them settle in and feel a little more secure.
6. CONTACT DETAILS
Always leave your contact details with the kennels and the name your veterinarian. You obviously don’t want anything to go wrong whilst you are away but if it does you will need to be contactable.
If you can’t be contacted leave details of someone you trust who can be called upon to make important decisions.
