Sooner or later you will have to leave your dog overnight. Obviously it is up to you as your pet’s owner to decide whether to choose a facility or a pet sitter. I am dreading this day and it’s coming up soon! I have to take a trip in a few weeks and this will be the first time I leave Rosa at a facility.
My Rosa Doodle hasn’t been the healthiest puppy so my decision is fairly easy. She will be boarding with her vet. If she needs anything the vet will know her needs especially if they are medical. This got me thinking though about all the other pet owners out there- how do you decide where to leave your pet? What should you look for and consider when deciding the best place for your dogs sleep over?
Remember not all boarding hotels are created equal and talk to your vet and friends for some personal recommendations. Visit the facility, take a tour, meet the staff and even in a short visit you can learn a lot about the site and attitude of the people who work there. Follow your gut instinct.
My Rosa Doodle hasn’t been the healthiest puppy so my decision is fairly easy. She will be boarding with her vet. If she needs anything the vet will know her needs especially if they are medical. This got me thinking though about all the other pet owners out there- how do you decide where to leave your pet? What should you look for and consider when deciding the best place for your dogs sleep over?
Remember not all boarding hotels are created equal and talk to your vet and friends for some personal recommendations. Visit the facility, take a tour, meet the staff and even in a short visit you can learn a lot about the site and attitude of the people who work there. Follow your gut instinct.
What are some things to consider while sniffing around dog hotels?
- Is the setting clean? Are the runs clean?
- How does it smell? With proper ventilation and cleaning it doesn’t have to smell like a kennel at all.
- Are the dogs given a cot to keep them off the floor? Can you bring your own?
- Is water available at all times?
- How many times a day are the dogs walked or exercised? Can you schedule extra walks?
- Is there a group playtime? Do you want this for your dog? Understand the level of supervision provided before you agree to this “perk”.
- Is anyone on the grounds after hours? Some boarding sites offer 24/7 care in order to handle an emergency.
- What is the facilities policy toward illness, injury or emergencies? Will your pet be transferred to a vet if needed? Are pets monitored several times during the day for signs of illness or injury? What happens if your dog needs attention and you can’t be reached?
- Can you bring your own dog food? Treats? If not understand that your dog will suffer some digestive upset.
After you have a tour and your gut is telling you this might be the right place for your dog’s home away from home---schedule your dog for day care or an overnight visit to test it out. If this is doable, it will familiarize your pet with the facility and also reassure your dog that you will be back! Leaving your dog there for a short time will give you the opportunity to see how he reacts to the environment.
Ugh… today is the day you have to drop him off… remember that your reaction will set the tone for your dogs reaction to his stay. If you are worried and upset when you drop him off your dog may feel there is a reason to worry too. Dogs sense our emotions and may become stressed and anxious if owners act differently. Even if you are upset about having to leave your pet – buck up for your pet’s sake and help for a smooth transition.