Whether you are taking a summer vacation or traveling for work, having your pet tag along may not be feasible. In such a situation, you need to find high-quality care for your pet, and help prepare them for this new adventure. Finding the perfect place for your pet and helping them settle into their home away from home, can be stressful for everyone involved, but by following our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team’s tips, you can help ensure your furry pal enjoys a comfortable, safe boarding experience.

#1: Research boarding options for your pet

A wide range of pet boarding choices are available to your four-legged friend’s unique needs and personality. Consider these boarding options:

  • Doggy daycares
  • Veterinary hospital boarding facilities
  • Luxury pet resorts
  • Cat- or dog-specific boarding facilities
  • In-home pet sitting
  • Drop-in pet sitting

If your dog is a social butterfly who enjoys playing with others, a doggy daycare that allows them to expend their energy romping around with other dogs might be ideal. On the other hand, your incredibly shy cat would likely prefer a drop-in pet sitter who ensures they have food, water, and a clean litter box. Pets with special medical needs would do well being boarded at a veterinary hospital that offers this service. In addition, veterinary technicians often provide in-home pet-sitting care.

Once you’ve determined the best boarding type for your pet, peruse online reviews, ask your veterinarian, family, and friends for recommendations, and check out social media sites for more information. Narrow down your top picks and schedule a trial visit.

#2: Schedule a trial boarding visit for your pet

Depending on the type of care you decide is most appropriate for your pet, schedule a trial run such as a day spent cavorting in a doggy daycare, an overnight stay at a veterinary hospital, or a meet-and-greet with a pet sitter. A trial boarding visit provides two key pieces of information: how well your pet will adjust to their new surroundings, and how well your pet will respond to their new caretaker. This strategy also gives you the opportunity to check out a facility’s cleanliness, comfort, and accommodations. Watching how well your pet settles in will reveal a great deal about their comfort level in a new environment and with unfamiliar people, helping ease your worries about leaving your furry pal in someone else’s care. 

#3: Reserve your pet’s spot well in advance

Avoid waiting until the last minute to search for boarding facilities that have availability during your trip. If you are traveling during spring and summer breaks or holidays, remember that boarding facilities fill up quickly around these popular vacation times. If you forgo making reservations well in advance, you may be left scrambling for a pet caretaker, or ultimately having to cancel your trip. As soon as you determine your travel dates, call the boarding facility or pet sitter to ensure your pet has someone to care for them while you are away.

#4: Pack your pet’s belongings

After reserving your pet’s accommodations, begin packing their bags. However, before loading up everything you think your pet might possibly need, talk with the boarding facility staff to find out the items they supply. Many places provide pet bowls and bedding, and the staff will often recommend bringing familiar comforts from home.

By packing in advance, you have plenty of time to check and double-check your pet’s essentials list to ensure you remember to include all crucial items, such as prescription refills or a favorite chew toy. Always ensure you include enough food and medication for a few extra days in case your return is delayed. To help ensure your pet is comfortable during their boarding stay, pack these essentials:

  • Food
  • Treats
  • A favorite toy
  • Bedding or a blanket that has your scent
  • Collar, harness, and leash with identification (ID) tags
  • Crate or carrier for transport
  • Medical and vaccination records
  • Over-the counter (OTC) supplements
  • Prescription medication
  • Parasite prevention medication

#5: Update your pet’s disease protection

Whether your pet is being boarded with other pets or they are staying at home with a pet sitter, ensure your four-legged friend is healthy and protected against infectious diseases and parasites. Many pathogens can easily be transmitted via a person’s clothing or air-borne respiratory secretions. Prevent your furry pal from contracting and transmitting a multitude of serious illnesses by scheduling a preventive veterinary care visit to ensure your pet is up-to-date on necessary vaccinations, parasite-free, and current on appropriate prevention medication. If your pet has a chronic disease, ensure their signs are well-managed before you plan to be away from them.

Before you leave your pet in another person’s care while you are traveling, update their vaccinations to help ensure they are protected from infectious diseases. Schedule your furry pal’s preventive care appointment with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team before you leave town.