Who will care for your pet is a serious decision. We recommend a friend or family member, especially one the animal(s) knows, coming to your home as the best choice. If that is not possible, you will need a professional service. Whether daycare or overnight stays, you need to know some things so you can get the best value and care, and avoid a potential problem while away.
There are people that provide animal care services within their home. If you choose to take this route be sure this person is able to provide a proper environment for your pet's needs.
* Ask to see the home or facility
* If you are leaving your cat at a boarder's home be sure there are screens on all of the windows and doors
* Ask if there are other dogs in the neighborhood. Are they aggressive toward other dogs?
* Insist on 3-5 customer references at least (call them all)
* Tell your care provider about any issues your dog has with other animals
* Ask if your pets will be the only guests
* Make sure the care provider requests health information or clearances on the pet's they take
* Where do they take the animals for exercise?
Unfortunately, in home care isn't always an option. Some of us are forced to entrust our four legged family members to a kennel. This is when we need to be overly cautious. Don't be afraid to do a little investigating prior to enrolling your pet at puppy camp. Shangri- Ladi-Dog may not be all that it is barked up to be!
All too often we hear horror stories about kennels, including filthy dirty facilities, dirty food and water bowls, animals confined to cages that are way too small, and left unattended for hours at a time. There are hundreds stories of animals dying from dehydration or airborne illnesses contracted from other animals, which should have been in quarantine. It is up to you to protect your pets from such horrific happenings.
Ask For A Tour Of The Facility
Any facility should be more than willing to give you an unannounced, surprise tour of the boarding areas. If a kennel is not willing to give you a tour or has any excuses, just assume they have something to hide and move on.
Interview the Kennel
While taking the tour always ask questions.
* How often are the food and water bowls cleaned and refilled? (Look at the water bowls)
* How often are the cages cleaned?
* How often are the animals exercised? Match that up with your pet's activity level needs
* Are animals given 1-on-1 attention, or just let loose to socialize together? (human contact is important)
* If you have multiple dogs or cats, can they stay in the same cage?
Always leave more than enough food for the duration of your pet's stay and very explicit instructions on your pet's daily schedule. Insist upon the schedule being followed. Find out the hours of operation and call to check in when your away. If they close early in the evening will there be someone to take the dogs outside during the night. It may seem trivial, but provide a piece of your clothing that you have worn or a toy you both play with and have them put in the cage with your pet. This familiar scent will make your pet feel a bit more secure without you. Be sure to look around; don't settle for a kennel with which you don't feel completely comfortable. Friends and neighbors with pets may be able to provide you with information and personal experiences of the kennels in your area. But did they do their homework? Better play it safe and do your own. For the love of your pet.
