Avoid These 3 Mistakes When Boarding Your Dog

Pets & Animals Blog

As much as you like to spend time with your pup, there may be times when you need to be separated from your dog – for example, when you have travel plans to a destination that isn't pet-friendly, or when you need to check into the hospital for surgery or another procedure. In those circumstances, a good boarding kennel can be your best bet. Boarding your dog can be a good experience for you and your pet, as long as you avoid these boarding mistakes. 

Inadequate Packing

You probably don't want to load the kennel up with too much stuff for your dog, but this is one situation where it's definitely better to err on the side of overpacking than underpacking.

Your dog will need a leash, a collar, and a grooming tool. A dog bed is usually optional, but it's a good idea to bring one – having something to sleep on that smells like home can help your dog feel more comfortable in a strange environment. If your dog is a picky eater or has special dietary needs, pack enough food for the entire stay plus some extra, just in case. If your dog is on medication, it's usually better to pack the whole bottle instead of just parceling out what you need for the length of the stay. The kennel should have a veterinarian on staff that can prescribe more if necessary, but that will be an expensive extra charge. Make sure to include a few of your dog's favorite toys as well.

Not Keeping up With Vaccinations

For the safety of all the pets at the kennel, your dog will need to be up to date on its vaccinations, and you'll need to be able to show the vaccine record to prove it. Don't wait until the last minute – check to make sure that you have the appropriate paperwork and that you haven't gotten behind on your pet's shots.

Not Checking Out the Kennel Ahead of Time

If you're using a kennel that you've never used before, or if you've never boarded your dog before, it's not a good idea to wait till the day your dog's stay starts to check it out. You should bring your dog in ahead of time at least once or twice for a visit.

Visiting the kennel ahead of time ensures that it's not a completely unfamiliar place for your dog. Most kennels will be happy to let your dog sniff around and check out the pet run ahead of time. This can eliminate a lot of anxiety for your dog when it's time to actually check them in.

A good kennel can be a big help for a busy dog owner who frequently needs to board their dogs, or for a dog owner that just needs one-time accommodations. Make sure that you're prepared for your dog's stay so that you can be confident your dog is well cared-for while you're away. 

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29 August 2017

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