With winter already here and the holiday season fast approaching, many of you will be looking for a little respite in the sun over the next few weeks. Here are a few tips to help you give your pet a positive boarding experience!
Some establishments offer their residents a wide range of stimulating activities. In these establishments, your dog doesn't have to spend all his time in a pen with short outings to relieve himself. Dog-to-dog playtime lets them expend their energy by making new friends! Make sure, however, that these socializing moments are supervised and that the temperaments of the dogs left together are compatible, as a canine altercation can happen very quickly.
In addition to doggy playtime, complementary activities can also be added. For example, leash walks or private play sessions are often offered. Some boarding centers also offer agility courses to meet the needs of energetic dogs! In some establishments, it's even possible to offer swimming sessions for your dog. You could also take advantage of your vacation to put your dog through a training program, or offer him one or more beauty sessions to ensure he comes home looking his best!
To prepare for your dog's boarding experience, we suggest that you show him around before his actual stay. Gradual exposure to his future environment will greatly reduce his stress on the big day. If the boarding facility you've chosen also offers day care, why not have your dog stay sporadically for a few hours to familiarize him with the premises, the staff and the educators who work there. During these days of daycare, your dog will also learn to play with other dogs, so he'll be less intimidated when it's time to board.
Most kennels require your dog's vaccinations to be up to date. This ensures that your pooch has adequate immunity in the event of exposure to disease, and also reduces the risk of another contaminated dog being admitted to the establishment where your pet is staying. In addition to the basic vaccines (DHPP and rabies), a vaccine against kennel cough (Bordetella) is also required. To ensure good immunity, vaccination should be done at least 2 weeks before your dog's stay at the boarding center.
Although it's rarely required, we suggest that customers offer prevention against parasites such as fleas, ticks and intestinal worms. Despite the good precautions taken by the boarding center, it's easy for a parasite-carrying animal to go undetected and come into contact with your pet or its immediate environment. That's why it's so much easier to prevent your dog from bringing parasites into your home!
Some boarding centers provide food for their boarders. If this option initially seems like an added value, beware! We don't recommend making a dietary change during a boarding stay, as the risk of diarrhea is high and some dogs may reject the new food. So it's best to let your dog eat his usual food. If your dog's intestinal tract is sensitive, take the same precautions with any treats that may be offered. It's even possible to add probiotics to the regular diet to further reduce the risk of diarrhea.
Bring him his favorite pillow and toy! In his moments of relaxation or when he's alone, your dog may find it comforting to return to familiar smells. With the technological advances of recent years, videoconference communications are now accessible. Although this may seem like a positive option, it's usually only comforting for you, as your dog doesn't understand the principle of videoconferencing and will tend to look for you once the communication is over, thus increasing his anxiety.
Finally, be sure to leave a means of contacting you or someone you trust in the event of a medical emergency. We also recommend that you give your vet's contact details to the kennel and give them clear instructions about your intentions in the event of an emergency. You should also inform your veterinarian of your departure and give him/her the necessary authorizations so that he/she can properly care for your dog should he/she become ill while you're away.
For our feline friends, the same recommendations apply, with the exception of interactions between boarders, which should generally be avoided because, even if no fights occur, the potential stress generated by a new encounter is far too high. There are, however, boarding centers that offer cats a stimulating environment so that they are not confined to a cage throughout their stay.
Despite all this advice, to choose your boarding facility, we invite you to visit the premises and meet the people who will be looking after your pet. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Once you've found THE place that's right for you, we suggest you book quickly, because spots are going fast!
Have a nice vacation!