I love visiting my family in Colorado over the holidays, but I always dread leaving my dog, Ira, behind. He's technically too big to fly in the cabin of a plane, and I just can't justify checking him in like a piece of luggage on two different flights across 1,500 miles. Who knows what really goes on in the belly of the plane? I imagine it's cold, and dark, and scary. (Shudder.)
The next best thing for a lot of dogs and cats, if they can't be with you, is to stay at home and have a petsitter check in on them. Of course, it can be hard to find an available petsitter during the holidays, because, well, they're likely out of town too. So then what?
Fortunately, there are lots of caring, equipped boarders who can take excellent care of your pet when you're away. Here's what to look for to find the best kennel for your animal, and a checklist of what to bring to make your pet feel as at home as possible.
What to Look For When Choosing a Boarder
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-Talk to friends who have boarded their animals and get their recommendations first. Or, ask your vet who they recommend. You can also look at Yelp and check out the public reviews for the kennel's you're considering. -Make sure the kennel is fully licensed and insured. Don't be afraid to ask! Check out their website to get a feel for their facility and services. -Inspect the boarding facility yourself, both inside and out. Ask for a tour. Make sure it is clean and orderly. Bring your dog along, so they can get a feel for the place, and so you can introduce them to the boarders and share any of their quirks and general needs. -Is the temperature comfortable? Ask what measures they take to keep the animals comfortable, especially at night. -Dogs, especially, are creatures of habit, so ask questions about the kennel's daily routine. How often will your dog be walked? What about playtime? Is there a nap time, or quiet time? The best boarders do what they can to keep your animals socialized and active, with structured activity, so they'll have as much fun as possible in your absence. -Will the boarder email or call you with updates or send pictures? Many boarders these days have cameras with a live stream that you can check in with to “see” your pup during play time. |
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Things to Bring When Boarding Your Dog
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-Food, treats, and bowls (if needed). Label your items with your pet's name, and leave specific instructions for how much food, and how many treats your pet can have per day. -Your dog's bed, blanket, and any favorite toys. Don't wash the items, so that they'll smell like “home.” If you like, you can leave a T-shirt or other item of your clothing in your pet's bed, so that it will smell like you, and comfort your pet in your absence. -Most kennels require your dog's vaccination records, so be sure to bring a copy along with you. If your dog has medications, bring them along with detailed instructions. |
When it comes to dropping your pooch off, keep it short and sweet. You don't want your pet picking up on your anxiety before they get a chance to settle into their new “vacation rental.” Think of it as an adventure, and say goodbye with as little fanfare as possible. You want your furry one to have as good of a vacation as you do!
| Kathleen McCafferty and her dog Ira love to travel... but Ira can't always follow Kathleen on her wild adventures. So Kathleen did a little research and wrote this very informative article on boarding your pup when they can't tag along. |
