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![]() The Holidays are coming and many families travel. What do you do with your pets when you are gone? Being on vacation is fun; shouldn't it also be for your pet? Rather than dealing with the difficulty of taking your pet with you or leaving them at home, let your pet go on their own vacation by taking them to a boarding facility. Before you take your beloved pet to just any boarding facility it is important to look into it first, much like how we check destinations, accommodations, and available activities for our vacations. Destinations Start by asking family and friends if they have used a facility in the area. If they have ask why they were happy with it. Was their pet happy after returning home, did the pet look healthy and well cared for. You can also ask your veterinarian if they have a recommendation. There are a number of boarding facilities available to choose from. Attempting to narrow down which facilities to choose from can be a long process. An easy way to quickly narrow down the list is to look for facilities that are certified by the International Boarding and Pet Care Association (IBPSA), www.ibpsa.com. Also, look into what kinds of accommodations and activities they provide for your pet. Accommodations When choosing a boarding facility make sure to first take a tour of the facility. Here are some important things to pay attention to while you are on tour:
Activities Find out what activities your pet will engage in while you are gone. For example, the facility should have scheduled walks or playtime and have a supervised exercise yard in a socializing environment. Some facilities also have indoor or outdoor pools. If there is a pool find out if it is heated. Separation Anxiety? If your pet suffers from separation anxiety they may not be a good candidate for boarding. A pet sitter may be a better alternative. In the event that a pet sitter cannot be found, you may still be able to help your pet cope. Pheromone products such as DAP (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats) can help ease anxiety. In severe cases, other medications may be necessary to calm your pet, talk to your veterinarian. Leaving a shirt or other piece of clothing that has your scent on it may also help separation anxiety. Talk with the employees at the facility about how they have handled that in the past. The most important thing to note when visiting different kennels is how the environment makes you feel. Trust your gut. If you feel comfortable there and get along well with the staff members, it's likely that your best pet will feel at ease there as well. No kennel will feel exactly like home to your pet, but if it can come close, you'll be able to go on your trip knowing your pet is safe and sound. The most important thing to note when visiting different kennels is how the environment makes you feel. Trust your gut. If you feel comfortable there and get along well with the staff members, it's likely that your best pet will feel at ease there as well. No kennel will feel exactly like home to your pet, but if it can come close, you'll be able to go on your trip knowing your pet is safe and sound.
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