Making travel plans and leaving your fur baby behind is never easy for them or you. With so many options and caring pet caretakers, you can feel good knowing they’re well cared for in your absence.
Even the best care can be stressful for your pet. However, there are ways to minimize anxiety. Knowing that your pets are enjoying the same kind of care they receive at home can be reassuring while you’re away. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you and your pet have a pleasant experience while apart.
Know Your Options
Many local veterinarians offer in-clinic boarding services, which is a great option, especially for older, frail, or health-compromised pets who require monitoring and daily attention. Typically, dogs are kept in large crates or outdoor kennel runs in this situation. Cats stay in their own smaller cages or multi-level enclosures. Likewise, sick pets are often kept apart from healthy ones.
The good thing about this option is that your pet will have expert veterinary care while you’re away. This is especially comforting for those whose pets have diabetes and need daily insulin injections or for pets with mobility issues.
Kennels are another excellent option. Some only accept dogs, while others only accept cats. Some offer “cage-free” boarding experiences during the day, where dogs can safely play with other dogs in an enclosed area and return to kennels for naps and bedtime. Dogs are typically separated by size and age for their protection. Some kennels even use video monitors so you can watch your pet having a great time in real-time, providing a welcome peace of mind.
An in-home pet sitter is another good option. The global pet sitting market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2020 to 2027 to be a nearly $6 billion industry by 2027. North America dominated the pet sitting market with 43.1% in 2019. So, finding a qualified and caring in-home pet sitter (which often also serves as a house sitter) is easy to do, no matter where you live.
Know What You Need to Do to Get Your Pet Ready for Boarding
Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up-to-Date
Most reputable kennels will require a Bordetella vaccine to prevent kennel cough and rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza pet shots. Your pet will probably also be screened for fleas and ticks before admission. Be sure to check what requirements your kennel requests and ask for a document from your vet well in advance. Note that many kennels require the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months while most vets require it only yearly.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your pet is microchipped.
Be Clear About Your Pet’s Daily Needs
If your pet is on a daily medication, write out how much they receive and what times during the day. Also, make sure your pet’s caregiver knows whether the medication is given with food, in a pill pocket, or via some other device you and your pet have arrived at to make daily dosing easier and less stressful. Some kennels charge an extra fee to administer medications.
Don’t forget their favorite toys, bed, food, and your Jacksonville veterinarian’s contact number. It’s also helpful to leave them with a towel you’ve used recently that holds your scent. It can be very comforting when a pet is stressed to have your scent in the kennel.
In Case of Emergency
For that “just in case” scenario, inquire where they would seek emergency care for your pet should an accident or illness happen while in the facility’s care. Some kennels will ask you to sign a credit card authorization and a signed release to seek treatment form so that your pet doesn’t have to wait for veterinarian care in an emergency because you were unable to be reached.
Keep Them Calm Upon Their Return Home
Picking up your pet from the kennel is always a jubilant experience for both the pet and the owner. This excitement can lead to stomach upset if you feed or water them too soon after returning home. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s best to withhold food and water for about four hours as their excitement at being home can trigger vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet seems thirsty, offer a few pieces of ice rather than water. Once your pet has calmed down and rested, you can carry on with your usual daily routine. Another option is to administer over-the-counter probiotics when pets come home from boarding to help prevent stress colitis resulting in diarrhea.
Want more information? The International Boarding and Pet Services Association provides tips on choosing the right pet care provider. At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we can provide you with a record of your pet’s shot history and any other documentation the kennel might require.
