How to choose the right pet boarding facility

Choosing the Right Pet Boarding Facility: A Comprehensive Guide

Pets are family members, and when we cannot be with them, we want to ensure they're in good hands. Whether it's for a business trip, a vacation, or an emergency, sometimes we need to rely on a pet boarding facility to care for our beloved pets. The right facility can be a taugh task. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you select the best boarding facility for your pet.

Identify Your Needs

Every pet is special, and so are their needs. Some pets may require specific diets, medications, or daily exercise routines. Others may experience anxiety when away from home. Start by making a list of your pet’s specific needs and wants and use this as a guide when evaluating potential boarding facilities.

Research and Recommendations

Begin with an online search of boarding facilities in your area. Look for facilities with good reviews and positive feedback. Additionally, ask for recommendations from trusted sources like your vet, friends, or family members who also have pets.

Visit in Person

A website can tell you a lot, but nothing beats an in-person visit. Make sure to tour the facility before making a decision. Check the cleanliness, safety measures, and overall environment. Do the pets already there seem happy and well cared-for?

Staff Qualifications and Ratios

A quality pet boarding facility will have experienced, qualified staff who genuinely love animals. They should be trained in pet first aid and should know how to handle emergencies. Also, check the staff-to-pet ratio. There should be enough staff to ensure each pet gets enough attention and care.

Services Offered

Look at the pet services that are offered by the facility. Do they provide opportunities for exercise and play? Can they accommodate special diets or administer medications? Do they offer grooming services or activities that can enrich your pet's stay?

Living and Play Areas

Inspect the living areas. Are they comfortable, clean, and secure? Is there enough space? For dogs, is there an outdoor area for them to run and play? For cats, are there perches and places to hide?

Emergency Procedures

Ask about the facility’s emergency procedures. They should have a solid plan if there is an emergency with your pet. Preferably, they should have a relationship with a local vet or emergency pet hospital.

Trial Run

Consider doing a trial run before a long trip. Board your pet for a day or a weekend and see how they react. This trial can give you an idea of how well they’ll adjust to a longer stay.

Price and Contract

Cost should not be the only decision , it’s still an important consideration. Ask about the cost and what services are included. Make sure you understand their policies and read the contract thoroughly before signing.

Accreditation

Look for facilities that are accredited by professional organizations like the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) or the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA). This means they adhere to industry standards for care and safety.

Communication

Finally, consider how the facility communicates with pet owners. Will they send you updates and photos of your pet? How easy is it to reach them if you want to see how your pet is doing?

Selecting the right pet boarding facility is a significant choice that merits careful consideration and time to ensure you locate the optimal environment for your pet. Your objective is to find a facility where your pet feels secure, content, and joyful, essentially a home away from home where their absence from you is barely felt.

In conclusion, choosing the right pet boarding facility involves thorough research, careful scrutiny, and a lot of heart. It's about more than just finding a place to house your pet; it's about finding a home where your pet will get the love, care, and attention they deserve. With patience and you can find the perfect boarding facility for your pet friend.