Veterinary Association Provides Boarding Tips For Pets

Online, April 9, 2011 (Newswire.com) - There are many options, from hiring a house sitter to boarding at a facility, but you should never leave your pet home alone.

While hiring a house sitter might seem ideal, there are many variables to consider when leaving someone in charge of your home and your pet. For example, an anxious pet can escape or become ill. Your concerns can be alleviated by putting your pet up in a boarding facility with a trained professional staff who is better equipped to handle your pet while you are away.

Finding a Facility

First, you will need to decide where to board your pet. Many veterinarian offices offer pet boarding, which is convenient because you and your pet should already be familiar with the facility.

Another option, besides your veterinarian's office, is a private boarding facility. With canine and feline primping and pampering becoming even more popular, there are many selections available in most communities.

Choosing with Factors in Mind

When deciding on a place to board, there are several issues to consider for your pet. One is your pet's accommodations. Will your pet be caged or in a free range area with other pets? (In most facilities, dogs are kept with dogs and cats with cats). If your pet is caged, will he or she be allowed out of the cage for any exercise, and if so, how often and how long?

Another important factor is the staff. If you are working with your veterinarian's office, you and your pet should already feel comfortable with the staff. However, if you are boarding your pet elsewhere, getting to know the staff and their qualifications is important for your peace of mind and for your pet's well-being. Call ahead to the boarding facility and make arrangements to meet with the staff well in advance of traveling.

Look into the facility's security as well. Knowing your pet is safe at all times will help you feel better about leaving them behind. Pets have a tendency to want to search for their owner or their home, and may feel the need to escape. Trained professional pet care handlers will be prepared for these attempts and so will the facility's structure. Feel free to examine fencing, doors and perimeters to make you feel more at ease.

Feeling at Home

The most important factor in boarding your pet is making sure both you and your pet are able to have a good time. Like many vacation spots which offer spa amenities, there are many boarding facilities that will offer similar pet friendly amenities like shampoos, nail trimmings and even pet massages. If you do your research, then everyone should have a good time while you and your pet are away from home.

Source: http://www.news-record.com/blog/60759/entry/115362

If you found this helpful, check out my pet tips blog for other helpful pet information. You can also go to my pet tips facebook page and "like" me there. If you didn't find it helpful... it can just be our little secret! :)