How To Choose the Right Dog Boarding Facility for Your Pet
Taking your dog to a boarding facility helps you keep your pet safe while you’re away. Some boarding facilities provide individual rooms for pets, and you can personalize this room with familiar items to support an easier transition. Look for a dog boarding facility that has enough staff to provide individual care. Here is how to choose the right dog boarding facility for your pet:
Confirm Staff Availability
Some dogs may need individual attention and care while you’re away, so confirm that the boarding facility has enough staff members. Inquire if you can visit the facility before making a boarding appointment. This allows you to see how many staff members are interacting with the dogs, giving you an idea of how much individual attention your pet will receive. Choose a facility with 24/7 supervision in case there is an emergency, so you can make sure that your pet is well looked after. When you visit, ask about their emergency protocols and procedures.
Assess Playroom Organization
Some facilities allow pets to spend a significant amount of time in the playroom, so assess its organization and cleanliness. Look for a facility that provides toys, bedding, and feeding bowls. When you choose a dog boarding facility that groups dogs by size, it allows a safe and comfortable environment for each pet. A temperament test also helps confirm that your pet is placed in the most appropriate playgroup.
The playroom should be clean, with all the equipment and supplies readily available. Toys that are rotated and disinfected regularly may prevent any potential spread of germs or illnesses among the dogs. Bedding should also be washed frequently; this helps maintain a hygienic environment.
Verify Vaccination Requirements
Before you take your dog to a day boarding center, update their vaccinations. Vaccines protect your pet from serious diseases and also help in preventing the spread of infections among other dogs. When you take your dog for boarding, many centers will ask for proof of up-to-date vaccinations, such as Bordetella. You may also be asked to provide a rabies certificate; this should be signed by the veterinarian who administered the vaccination.
Check Grooming Services
Some centers may offer grooming services as part of their package to enable you to pick up a clean pet. This is useful if you don’t have time for grooming them at home after you pick them up. Grooming services may be offered on a specific day of the week, so inquire if your boarding appointment includes that day.
Grooming services include ear, nail, and paw care; it also involves bathing and brushing to keep your dog clean and healthy. Be sure to inform the staff about any specific grooming needs your pet may have, such as allergies or skin conditions. This allows the staff to accommodate those needs accordingly.
Visit a Dog Boarding Facility
A dog boarding center is a strategic place to leave your pet when you’re heading out of town. Whether it’s for a short trip or an extended vacation, boarding facilities offer services to make sure your pet is well taken care of. Some facilities even have cameras; this allows you to view a live video of your pet while you’re away. Visit a facility today for a detailed assessment of its services.
