For many families pets are part of the family, and when the family goes on a trip or does other activity in which they cannot take the pets along, they may want to consider dog and cat boarding, Indiana. Pets, like children, cannot be left alone and need special care when their family cannot be there. Some families may hire a pet sitter, but this is not always the best idea, as there are pros and cons to consider for pet sitters and leaving the pet at a boarding place.
Pet sitters can work out well if the family is able to hire someone with which they feel comfortable. Just like finding a sitter for children, finding a dog sitter means selecting a qualified, honest individual that can be trusted to be left alone in a person's home and care for the pets. The advantages of hiring a pet sitter include having someone to watch the house in the family's absence, the pets remain in their comfortable home environment and there is no change in the pets' routine. Some pets can experience gastrointestinal upsets and other problems when there is a change in the usual daily routine. Anyone who decides to hire a pet sitter needs to leave detailed instruction on feeding routines and playtime.
For those who do not feel comfortable having stranger come to their home, there is the option of an Indiana dog and cat boarding facility. There are pros and cons for the boarding home as well. If a family chooses a reputable boarding home for their pet, the pets receive care from people who specialize in working with animals. Dogs fair better at boarding facilities than cats in most cases. Because cats are finicky animals, a change in food and environment is more likely to cause cats stress. Cats are also more susceptible to catching viruses from other cats at the Indiana dog and cat boarding facility than dogs. To help protect a cat, make sure the felines are up to date on all vaccinations.
When weighing your options, take the personality of the pet into consideration. Some pets do well with dog and cat boarding, Indiana while others may not. If the pet is docile and well-trained, the dog or cat should have no problem at the boarding facility. However, animals with temper problems or that do not warm-up to strangers may have a difficult time at an Indiana dog and cat boarding facility.
When choosing a kennel or boarding facility, it is a good idea to visit the facilities in the area. While touring the facility, take note of the cleanliness, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff and look at the animals in the facility to make sure they appear happy and healthy. Do not hesitate to ask questions and discuss the pet's needs. Find out what types of pets the facility houses. Some boarding facilities may only take in older dogs, while other will take in puppies as well. Supervision practices are also important, so ask how often the dogs are checked on during the day, and if they are allowed time out of the cages to get exercise daily. If the facility does not meet the standards expected, move on to tour the next facility.
Whether you decide to hire a pet sitter or use a boarding facility, planning is important. The pet sitter needs to know how long his services are needed, so he can make necessary arrangement. A boarding facility has certain rules about checking pets in and out, so it is important to know these rules and other business procedures for the facility chosen.
