What to Know Before Boarding Your Pet

It's that time of year when we take our annual family vacation to Door County, Wisconsin.  Even though we can often find pet friendly accommodations, we can use a short break from two mini dachshunds and one calico cat. Plus, we're actually a bit more comfortable with the idea that our animals are in the care of a reputable pet boarder rather than carrying them along and leaving them in unfamiliar hotel accommodations while we're out enjoying our day. It's just one less thing to worry about.

Fortunately, we have some pet boarders in our area with excellent reputations that we have had positive experiences with. You can also ask a veterinarian or local pet store to recommend a reliable boarder as well. But before we got to that level of comfort, my wife and I did our own research.

When evaluating a boarder, the best piece of advice is to do a walk through and check out the facility for yourself. Obvious factors to consider are cleanliness and whether it is a modern facility customized to fit the needs of different breeds and behaviors.

More specifically, check out the dog run area, and make sure you feel comfortable that it is secure enough for your pet. Ask if they perform aggression tests and if they separate dogs according to size and temperament. I also like to see lots of dogs already at the facility. It probably means they have lots of happy, repeat customers.

On the other hand, you have to use some judgement and follow your gut instincts. What's the vibe of the facility? I like to observe the animals that are already there. Do they seem happy? They may be a little nervous being in a new and unfamiliar environment, but do they act and sound like dogs being dogs?

I also like to get a sense of the people who work there. Not just the salesy front desk people, but the people behind the scenes who do a lot of the "dirty" work who probably have the most contact with your pet. Ask them how long they've worked there. Observe how they interact with the animals. Are they gentle and caring? Do they seem to enjoy their work and being around animals?

Boarding isn't just for dogs. Many boarders also have a separate area for cats and can also accommodate birds and other exotic animals.

If You are Boarding Your Pet for the First Time

It's best to plan to board your pet well in advance if possible. Unless you are a regular customer, you don't just drop off your dog at a moment's notice and leave.  A reputable boarder will ask for your pet's medical and vaccination records. In fact, you may be required to get their vaccinations up to date before boarding your pet. You'll also need to pack for your pets and bring most of the things they'll need during the course of a typical day, which includes: food, toys, treats, bedding and any medicines.

While your pet is there, you can often schedule other services such as bathing and grooming, so you may not be the only one getting the full spa treatment.

Bottom line, if you plan in advance and find a facility you are comfortable with, both you and your pet will have each enjoyed great vacations.