Cat owners, dog owners and other pet owners can find it difficult to leave their pet in a kennel, dog hotel, cat hotel, or other pet boarding facility.
In addition to dealing with the guilt and anxiety that often accompanies a decision to board or kennel a dog or cat, many pet owners find it difficult to select the right kennel or other boarding facility. Pet owners are frequently left wondering things like, "How do you pick a kennel for a dog?" "How do you find a kitty hotel or 'cattery'?" "What makes a good kennel/pet boarding facility?" and "What should I do to prepare for my pet's stay at a kennel/cattery?"
Finding a Kennel, Pet Hotel or Pet Boarding Facillity
Locating a pet boarding facility that offers the right services is the first step to finding a good kennel, cattery or other type of pet boarding facility.
There are many websites, like KennelFinder.com and FindPetCare.com, which provide contact information on the services offered by kennels, doggy daycare facilities, catteries, pet hotels and other pet boarding facilities, which are listed by state and region.
Some of the most common kennel and pet boarding services include:
- Accommodations for Dogs
- Accommodations for Cats
- Accommodations for Small Pets/Exotics
- Accommodations for Multiple Pets (i.e. two sibling dogs can board together)
- Daycare Services
- Dog Walking Service
- Cat Exercise Service
- Play Time for Pets
- Television Time for Pets
- Grooming Services
- Training Services
- Transportation Services (i.e. pet pick-up and drop-off)
- 24-Hour Emergency Veterinary Care Availability
- Medical/Special Needs Pet Boarding
Kennel-finder websites or the website for the actual kennel, cattery, pet hotel or other boarding facility will provide information on which services are offered, helping pet owners to determine whether a particular pet boarding facility will fit their needs.
Other Considerations When Making Pet Boarding Plans at a Kennel or Pet Hotel
An owner of a dog, cat or other pet with serious medical problems or special needs may need to make accommodations for medical dog or cat boarding. Unfortunately, relatively few kennels, catteries and other pet boarding facilities offer medical boarding or special needs boarding. Virtually all kennels, catteries and dog/cat hotels can give medication on a daily basis, but any special care beyond this is usually not provided.
Therefore, the owner of a chronically ill or special needs dog or cat may need to make arrangements for the pet to stay at a local veterinary clinic that offers medical boarding services.
In addition, many pet owners find it helpful to board their dog at a kennel or dog hotel that provides doggie day care services. The dog owner can make arrangements for the dog to spend the day at the kennel's day care facility on a few occasions, enabling the dog to become accustomed to the boarding facility and the boarding facility staff. This familiarity with the kennel or pet hotel will make the dog's stay less potentially traumatic and frightening.
Pet owners should always visit a kennel, cattery, dog hotel, cat hotel, or other pet boarding facility prior to bringing a cat or dog to board. Ask for a tour of the facility and make note of the conditions inside the pet boarding facility and also observe how the staff interacts with the animals.
Dog owners who are considering a kennel, cat owners who are considering a cattery, and owners of small pets and exotic pets who are considering another boarding facility should not hesitate to ask for references. A professional, reputable kennel, cattery, or pet hotel will have no problem offering up the contact information of a few happy, satisfied pet parents/clients.
Before boarding a pet at a kennel, cattery or other pet boarding facility, inquire about what vaccinations and vaccination/health documentation will be required. Many pet boarding facilities require a bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination within the past six months (administered no less than ten days before the pet's day) and other facilities require a veterinarian-issued health certificate, issued within ten days of the pet's stay.
Pet owners may also enjoy reading Tips to Prepare for a Pet's Stay at a Kennel or Cattery, which provides great hints for pet owners who are seeking holiday pet boarding or boarding any other time of the year as well.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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