By Penny & Ed Cherubino
This week, we’ll cover two aspects of pet boarding. First, planning for a safe and happy experience for you and your pet when you board them at an established kennel, or as some are called, a pet hotel. Second, the alternatives to boarding. These include engaging a pet and house sitter for the time you are away or leaving your pet with a trusted friend or family member.
Begin with Your Pet
What option would be a good fit for your pet? Several factors influence this decision, including age, health, exercise requirements, and personality. Does your dog get along with other dogs? Does your cat interact with humans other than family? What specific tasks would the care provider have to perform? Some animals may need medications multiple times a day. Others could need intravenous fluids for kidney disease.
Investigate the Facilities
We are firm believers in recommendations from other pet guardians who show the same standards of care that you have. Even then, we would check on how that specific kennel would work for our dog, who is anxious and an escape artist.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston offers a “Board Safely Checklist” on the website www.arlboston.org. It leads you, step-by-step, from “See it for Yourself” to “Get it in Writing. The Whole Dog Journal has its own checklist that takes a different approach, asking questions like
Is the facility staffed at all times? How do they handle health emergencies? Is drinking water always available to your pet?
Once you have one or two places in mind, recheck your referrals by asking as many pet people as you can about specific places. Should you come across someone who used to leave their animal there but switched to another place, ask why.
Stay at a Home Options
A pet sitter is one option if you prefer to allow your pet to stay in your home or theirs. Begin with the service providers you already trust. Your dog-walker may be willing to board your dog.
Ask your veterinarian. Some clinics provide boarding services, and some vet techs make extra income by pet sitting. This may be a good option if you have a dog or cat who has a medical issue, must be monitored and medicated, or is frail. Groomers or the staff at your grooming facility may be another source of pet sitters.
A few people in every neighborhood make a little extra income by caring for pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area. Some dog breeders will board dogs in their line.
A dog lover who hasn’t found a way to have a dog in their life might jump at the opportunity to enjoy your pup. A friend who shares a home with roommates may be pleased to move into your place for a weekend or longer in exchange for pet sitting.
Family, friends and neighbors might be willing to host your dog or provide care for your cat as a part of a reciprocal agreement.
Finally, do a test run if it is a new adventure for your pet or a new person. Let the dog or cat experience the boarding option you choose for a day or two before you embark on a longer trip.
It’s better to make any necessary changes while you’re nearby than when you are hundreds of miles away on your own adventure.
Do you have a question or topic for City Paws? Email [email protected] with your request.