Pet Boarding
If you need to travel and cannot find a reliable pet sitter, boarding at a kennel or with your veterinarian may be your only option. Randolph Animal Hospital of Randolph, MA, looks at what you can do to make your pet’s stay easier at a boarding facility.
Make Sure Your Pet’s Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Good kennels and places to board pets will not allow non-vaccinated pets. Your pet will be exposed to a lot of other pets. Making sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date will make it easier for you to find a place to board your pet and protect your pet from sick pets.
Although not considered a non-core vaccine, it’s still a good idea to get your pet vaccinated against Bordetella, a highly contagious illness. The illness jumps from species to species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Get Your Pet Microchipped
Accidents happen. Doors could be left open, or your pet may get mixed up with another. Increase your chances of getting your pet back again by getting your pet microchipped. You should still keep an ID tag and collar on your pet, but they could slip off.
Make Sure Contact Information Is Accurate
If your pet is already microchipped, make sure the contact information is updated. Ask your vet to give you the contact information for the microchipping company. Sometimes, you can easily make changes online.
List Emergency Phone Numbers
Make a list of phone numbers for the kennel or boarding facility to contact you while you are away. Also, decide if they can contact a close family member to act on your behalf if you, for some reason, cannot be contacted.
Ask if You Can Supply Your Pet’s Food
It will be less stressful for your pet to not make any dietary changes while you are away. Eating familiar food will also tempt a pet to eat, even if he or she is upset at being separated from you. Get together food and treats for your pet to give the boarding facility or kennel when you drop off your pet.
Leave Something with Your Scent on It
Ask the kennel or pet boarding facility if you can leave something to stay with your pet. Your dog or cat will be comforted by being able to smell you. Wear an old T-shirt and do not wash it. Leave it with your pet’s bedding.
Still Have Questions?
If you have further questions about pet boarding or need cat or dog boarding services in the Randolph, MA, area, contact Randolph Animal Hospital by emailing [email protected] or by calling (781) 963-2298 to Make An Appointment today.