The last thing you want is for you or your pup to be stressed out when you need to leave them. Luckily, you can help ensure good care and put your mind at ease while away. Here, our vets talk about pet boarding in Port Jefferson, and what you should consider when choosing a facility for your dog.
Dog Boarding Checklist
You should always keep the best interests of your cat or dog in mind when making decisions about their care. When choosing to leave your cat or dog with a friend or at a pet boarding in Port Jefferson, there are more options than ever before.
You should prepare a checklist to look for when visiting dog boarding facilities. This will help you to make your decision and ensure that you don't forget anything.
Are kennels bad for dogs?
Kennels can be a good option for some dogs, providing a safe and secure environment while their owners are away. The only way a kennel can really be 'bad' is if the facility is not properly maintained or if the dog experiences high levels of stress and anxiety while in the kennel. It's important for pet owners to thoroughly research and visit potential kennels to ensure they are a good fit for their dog's needs.
What to Take Into Consideration With Pet Boarding
Some of the main things to consider with cat or dog boarding in Port Jefferson, are :
- Always give the facility plenty of notice otherwise they may not have space for your pet.
- Carry out some research. Find out if the commercial boarding kennel is certified or a member of a professional organization. When interviewing a dog sitter, find out how long they've been doing it and how many repeat customers they've had. Always reach out to the provided references.
- Ask about which vaccines are mandatory for pets staying at the facility. Many kennels will demand Bordetella vaccinations, as well as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Are dogs checked for fleas and ticks as well?
- Only pick locations that are obviously clean and sanitary and make the health and care of your pet a primary concern. There should be enough exercise and sleeping places that are securely fenced and have pleasant non-slip surfaces. Is it acceptable for you to visit all parts of the kennel or residence where the dog will have access? Are these areas safe and clear of toxins?
- Watch how your dog and the staff interact with each other, How many dogs will they look after at once? How much exercise do the dogs get, and how frequently are they taken out to relieve themselves? What kind of education and training does the provider have in animal care?
- Take a mental note of how comfortable they make the pets that are in their care. This includes providing fresh drinking water, temperature control, ventilation, and shelter.
- Find out what happens if your dog has any healthcare needs or emergencies requiring medication and/or veterinary services. Check if the staff are trained in first-aid for cats and dogs.
- Take a look at their staff. Do they have team members on hand 24/7? Is there an evacuation plan in case of an emergency?
- Take a look at how they handle each pet. Is any interaction allowed with other dogs? How well is this supervised?
- Does someone stay overnight during dog boarding? (This will differ between locations, but some vet clinics offer overnight boarding services for dogs where staff members are present to monitor and care for the dogs)
Who is responsible for the health and safety of the dog you are boarding?
When boarding a dog at a vet clinic, the staff and veterinarians at the clinic are responsible for the health and safety of the dog. They are trained professionals who are equipped to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the dog's stay. They will ensure that the dog receives proper care, medication, and attention as needed.
In addition to monitoring the dog's health, vet clinics also have strict safety protocols in place to prevent accidents or injuries. This includes providing secure enclosures, regular exercise, and supervision by trained staff members.
Preparing for Pet Boarding in Port Jefferson
When you are planning on boarding your cat or dog you will have your own responsibilities, including:
- Always carefully read through the rules and guidelines for the boarding facility. Before boarding your dog at a new facility, inquire about its policies, procedures, and services. For instance, what kind of food do they feed the dogs, what items can you bring from home (toys, blankets, etc.), what their emergency procedures are, and if they can administer your dog's medication? Inquiring about the policies, procedures, and services provided by the facilities can assist you in determining the best home away from home for your dog.
- Stay calm and relaxed when you are dropping your pet off for boarding. Your pet will be able to feel everything that you are feeling. Your pet can tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. This will be reflected in your dog's mood and behavior, making it more difficult for them to relax once you leave. Keep things simple, short, and positive to ease the transition.
- Understand that your pet may not quite act like themselves when they first get home. It's critical to understand that your dog may act strangely in the first few days after returning from the kennel. Your dog may be clingy, lethargic, or suffering from diarrhea. They may even consume more food or drink than usual. This, however, is a normal reaction to your dog's excitement at returning home. If you do not see your pet return to normal within a few days then you should schedule a veterinary visit.
Other Boarding Considerations
Make sure that you are prepared for the cost of pet boarding. Find out when you are expected to pick your pet up, and how much the late fees are. What about the cancellation policy? Some establishments demand a fee for late cancellations.
You can put everyone at ease and make the transition easier by scheduling a short, one-night stay for your pet to see how it reacts to being at a boarding facility. Even a few hours of dog daycare can be a good litmus test. This will make your dog more comfortable with the experience and give the caregiver a better understanding of your dog's needs. This will also give you a good idea of how your dog will behave when he returns home from the boarding facility.
Trusting someone else to care for your canine partner is often the most difficult aspect of leaving town. Making the effort to locate a boarding facility that you can trust and that your dog appreciates will make all the difference in the long run.
What to Expect When You Pick Your Dog Up
When you pick up your dog from boarding, you can expect them to be excited to see you and eager to go home. They may be a bit tired from all the playtime and socializing with other dogs, so be prepared for them to need some rest when they get home. Additionally, the staff at the boarding facility will likely provide you with a report card detailing your dog's behavior, eating habits, and any other important information from their stay.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.