Are you planning on being away from home for long enough that someone will need to make sure your dog remains, engaged, healthy and happy? If so, you may be wondering about dog boarding as an option. Here, our Groton veterinarians explain how you can prepare your dog for their boarding experience as well as what to look for in a prospective boarding facility.
Choosing a boarding facility for your dog.
The following are some of the things that you should both know and take into consideration before you select a boarding facility (also called a kennel) for your canine companion.
Check the boarding facility's rules and policies.
Before boarding your dog at any facility, make sure to ask the staff there about their regulations, rules and policies (including what kinds of services they offer to dogs boarding with them. Information you may ask about during this conversation can include the kind of food they feed dogs who aren't sent with their own specialty food for their stay , what kinds of toys (if any) you can send with your dogs from home, and what their emergency procedures are.
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.
Check with the facility to determine their vaccination requirements.
While each dog boarding kennel will have its own criteria for the minimum level of dog vaccinations that must be up to date, they will share some general requirements such as rabies, DHPP, and bordetella. Make sure you ask a prospective boarding facility about what vaccinations they require, so you can update your pooch's immunizations and produce proof of your dog's vaccinations before their stay.
Many common dog illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. Because of this, fulfilling a boarding facility's immunization requirements helps keep your pooch and the other dogs at the facility safe.
Check out the facility well ahead of time.
Kennels that serve as a stay-cation for a lot of pets can get messy really quickly. While a boarding facility won't be able to be kept totally sterile, any high-quality kennel will still look and smell clean and well-kept.
To make sure a prospective boarding facility is up to snuff, visit the kennel and make sure it's kept organized and clean before you dog's stay.
Trust your gut when looking for the best place to board your dog.
We believe that trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a kennel for your dog. If you don't feel comfortable with a place, look for another. If they have a policy you don't like, look around at different kennels until you find one that you can trust completely.
What to know about preparing your dog for boarding.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog.
Dogs are experts at reading the emotions of their pet parents. Your pooch will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier keep things simple, short, and positive.
Your dog may exhibit different behaviors when they first come home.
It's important to understand that during the first few days after your dog comes home from the kennel, they may behave a little differently. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your dog's excitement for coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Boarding Your Dog at Companion Animal Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs and cats in Groton.
We are proud to be able to provide your animal companion with a comfortable, welcoming and warm home away from home while you need to be out of town. Some of the services we offer include medical boarding, private kennels, a separate boarding section for cats and an outdoor play area for dogs.
Learn More About Dog Boarding at Companion Animal Hospital
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs, please make an appointment with your vet.