So, you are having to take a short break from caring for your pet. Whether it is for business or pleasure, being away from your adored animal can be stressful for both you and your pet. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do ahead of your pet’s vacation to prepare them for the changes that they may experience whilst they are away from you.

Here are our top tips to prepare your pet for boarding.

 

Choose a Reputable Boarding Facility

Above all else, as a passionate and dedicated owner, you want to be certain that you are leaving your pet is safe, experienced and caring hands. Therefore, it is essential that you spend plenty of time researching boarding facilities and visiting them before you book your pet’s stay. Ask friends and family for recommendations or for who to avoid and why and draw up a shortlist of potential places to board your pet. Then schedule a visit to check them out – never book a stay for your animal without visiting them in person.

 

Schedule a Veterinary Check-Up

Before you place your pet into boarding, they will need to pass certain medical standards. Any good boarding facility will ask for proof of up-to-date vaccinations so that they can ensure the safety of their premises for all animals and humans. However, in addition to this, as an owner, you want to have peace of mind that your furbaby is as healthy as possible before you place them into boarding. Your veterinarian will be happy to give your pet a thorough check-up ahead of his vacation.

 

Plan What Your Pet Will Eat

What your beloved animal will eat whilst in boarding will almost certainly be one of your biggest concerns. Wherever possible, it is better to try and keep your pet on the same brand of food that they are used to eating as this will be familiar from home and should prevent them from experiencing digestive upset. You can even ask your boarding facility if you can bring your pet’s food and water dishes from home as this will help them to feel relaxed about eating in a new environment.

 

Pack Wisely

In addition to your pet’s food and any medications that may be necessary, you should also see if you are able to pack a few creature comforts from home for your furbaby. Most will allow a favorite toy and some bedding or blankets. Be sure not to wash them until after your pet returns home though – they will want your scent on them to help them feel calm and reassured.

 

Schedule a Visit With Your Pet

In addition to visiting your chosen boarding facility when making a decision when to send your pet on vay-cay, it is also pertinent to see if you can arrange a visit with your furry pal so that they can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment. Some facilities offer the opportunity for pets to stay for a day, or even to trial an overnight visit. See what the options are for your chosen facility and see if you feel your pet would benefit from them.

 

Don’t Dally at Drop-Off

Finally, when it comes to dropping your pet off for their stay in boarding, do your best not to make a fuss. Animals can read emotional climates incredibly well and if you appear anxious, upset or distressed, your pet is likely to absorb and reflect these emotions back at you. Instead, keep things short and sweet. You can always call your boarding facility to see how your pet has settled in later that day. Morning drop-offs are better wherever possible as it gives your pet the maximum opportunity to adjust to their new lodgings before it is time for them to go to bed.

If you’d like more tips for preparing your pet for boarding, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our caring and compassionate pet boarding team by calling our office in Evansville, IN.