Better Boarding Tips

Better Boarding Tips

26 January 2016 Pet Advice & Ideas (15)

Traveling with pets is much more common these days than in years past. But, for all those times you can’t vacation with your companion animal, boarding offers a sure-fire way to make sure that their needs are provided for. To that end, this month’s episode of Pet Talk offers five practical tips for better boarding!

Dr. Sarah knows plenty about this area of pet kid care, and she’s eager to share her ideas with you. From commonsense practicalities to “gosh why didn’t I think of that” gems, you’re certain to learn something to help make your dog or cat’s next stay pleasant, safe and healthful. Best of all … you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing that your pet kids are too.

Do you have any additional insightful boarding tips for other pet parents? Or, have you ever had a bad boarding experience and wished that you had known to do something differently beforehand? Share your stories with us in the comments section below.

Better Boarding Tips

Traveling with pets is much more common these days than in years past. But, for all those times you can’t vacation with your companion animal, boarding offers a sure-fire way to make sure that their needs are provided for. To that end, this month’s episode of Pet Talk offers five practical tips for better boarding!

Comments (15) -

  • Connie Todd

    1/30/2016 9:21:13 AM |

    Love this!!!  You are the best and always give such helpful information.  Thank you!!

  • kim gardner

    2/2/2016 12:55:35 PM |

    Thanks for the info I am traveling with mine in a couple of weeks so great timing

  • Steven Adams

    2/2/2016 12:57:52 PM |

    I always recommend to my clients another alternative to kennels. There are many private, in-home boarding companies, mine included, which provide a great alternative. The dogs are actually placed in a private home. We call it going to camp. My clients love it as many don't like leaving their dogs in kennels because of being cooped up or getting kennel cough. Plus they get interaction for a much greater period of time. And the luxury of having a an actual home to relax in which makes for a lot less stressful situation and easier transition when the owners return from their trip.

  • Megan Smith

    2/2/2016 1:15:01 PM |

    I have had some terrible experiences boarding my dogs in the past.  One place did not give my dogs water on the day they'd be picked up, so the dogs were dehydrated when they came home.  They stayed close to the water bowl and had a lot of anxiety about having water close by for a few days after being kenneled.  

    I won't go into the other things that have happened, because thankfully I've found a great boarding facility.  They provide an excellent basic boarding service for all of their canine customers.  In addition, owners can choose to provide their own food, treats, toys, bedding, etc.  Dog owners can also purchase extra services for their dogs including exercise, play time with other dogs, time with a person petting them, a special chew-treat, grooming, etc.  

  • Cheryl Palumbo

    2/3/2016 12:58:37 AM |

    These are excellent suggestions. I have a pet sitting business and these are the areas that make the stay with me much easier. I require the parents and pets to visit my facility before the first stay. Thanks Dr. Sarah for reminding pet parents of the little and big things involved in boarding.

  • David Minzel

    2/3/2016 4:08:19 AM |

    My neighbors recently needed to board their dog for the first time, Dr. Sara's excellent advice was a HUGE help to them making the best choices for their dog while they were away!

  • Diana Wiggins

    2/3/2016 5:36:21 AM |

    Thank you for the excellent suggestions. Recently, I needed a boarding facility and was pleased that I could use Dr. Sarah's 5 tips of advice.  It felt funny to take her blanket, but, seeing Dr. Sarah's video affirmed that it's ok!
    Diana Wiggins

  • Jennifer

    2/3/2016 3:02:17 PM |

    Getting people you know, or a reputable boarder is a good idea.  So many businesses out there are not honest anymore, and it's about making money, not treating our pets the way they claim to.  It can be tough when there is no one you know to count on.

  • Rebecca Forrest

    2/14/2016 9:11:56 AM |

    Just a few more ideas:

    When you tour, be sure to look at the outside facility your pet will have access to. I had a border collie several years ago. She was a fence-climber. I found an excellent facility that had an individual fenced run connected to each indoor kennel space. Because of my Lily’s climbing tendency, I always booked a kennel space that had a covered run, to prevent her from getting out.

    On the subject of a tour, I would shy away from any kennel that specifies only one time of day when you may tour. I realize that the kennel staff is busy, but telling me that I can’t see the facility at any time they’re open makes me wonder if they’re not scrupulous throughout the day about cleanliness and proper access to water.

    Later in her life, my Lily was diabetic, and she required two insulin shots a day. In my area, no kennel would board her because of that. For a while, I used my veterinarian’s office if she needed to be boarded. However, I was less comfortable having her there, because of the possibility of coming in contact with sick animals.

    For her, the best alternative was having a skilled pet sitter come to my house. I found someone who was very capable of giving Lily her shots, and that worked perfectly.

    Good video, Dr. Sarah!

  • Amelia Johnson

    2/29/2016 4:30:04 PM |

    I have avoided boarding my sensitive dog in recent years because of the combination vaccine requirement which she cannot tolerate... and the changing vaccine protocols.  I prefer to leave her with a friend or in a pet sitter's care. Keeping a dog on a premium food brought from home is a valuable tip to heed!

  • Le Ann Frost

    3/8/2016 2:44:02 PM |

    This video offered tips I never would have thought of.  Thanks for this useful information!

  • kim gardner

    3/9/2016 9:19:58 AM |

    Love it, wouldnt have thought to ask someone to visit!  Great advice

  • MJ Fisher

    3/9/2016 9:44:11 PM |

    traveling is always a concern of pet owners - thank you for info

  • Kimberly Avon

    3/10/2016 1:33:07 AM |

    Great advise as always, love your videos

  • Sarah Anderson

    3/24/2016 3:57:24 AM |

    Making sure the boarding is equipped to properly care for your pets is important. You want to make sure the kennels are big enough too, because your pet needs a little bit of room to walk around. Another thing is you can ask them if they take pets out for a playtime type thing, but if your pet doesn't like other animals, or is ill tempered, then you want to make sure you tell them that your pet shouldn't go to the playtime.

Add comment

Loading