Going on a vacation or business trip has some unique twists for pet owners. Taking your dog along is often not an option, so careful arrangements must be made for competent dog boarding. In this article, we'll explore some options.
Option #1: A Pet Sitter In Your Own Home
Hiring someone to watch your dog in your home while you're away is an option, but it's often not an affordable one. To find someone you can trust completely while you're away, both with your beloved pet and with your personal belongings, can be a real challenge. If you opt for this route, choose a close family member or friend who knows your pet well.
Option #2: Away Care in Someone Else's Home
While this may seem like a good choice, make sure your dog or cat is completely familiar with both the friend or family member and the dynamics of their home life. If your pet frequently goes along with you on visits to the potential pet sitter's home, you'll already know if it's a good choice. Otherwise, the combination of missing you, along with unfamiliar surroundings can result in high anxiety for your pet. He or she may even decide to attempt to return home, resulting in a real danger of becoming lost or injured.
Option #3: Professional Dog Boarding
Professional lodging at a kennel or your own veterinarian is a better option. A professional facility will take great care of your pet so you can really relax and enjoy your trip. Here are a few things to research in preparation:
- Visit the facility well in advance of your trip. Note the way other dogs and cats are treated by staff.
- Is the facility clean, with no overbearingly unpleasant odors or other problems?
- Do the animals currently boarded there seem content and well cared for?
- Are there activities available to keep your pet occupied while you're away?
Another bonus to lodging with your veterinarian is that it's a good time to get up to date on vaccinations and other procedures like nail trimming or grooming.
Because we're pet owners ourselves, we understand the importance of taking good care of your pet while you're away. Contact us at Intermountain Pet Hospital & Lodge to schedule a visit today!
