Dog Boarding 101: First Time Pet Parents
Being a pet parent comes with many rewards as well as many responsibilities. You get to welcome them to your family, love them and make memories, which are all incredibly rewarding moments with new puppies. On the other hand, however, you also you have to worry about finding them a babysitter when you go away for the weekend.
Just like children, our pets require a lot of care and attention, and it is important that they receive special care when you go out of town. You may find it more convenient or beneficial to hire a neighbor or friend to come watch your pup; however, we find that dog boarding is the way to go. By boarding your pet, you can have the peace of mind that they will be in good hands from the moment you drop them off until the moment you pick them up. We have taken the time to answer some questions from our First-Time pet parents about what to expect when boarding their pet.
Why should I board my dog?
As we previously mentioned, dog boarding ensures that he/she is given the best care while you are out of town. If they have specific needs, dog-boarding facilities are able to meet those needs (i.e. give them medicine or food at specific times) that a pet-sitter may not be able to do. They are also able to interact with them and give them the love and attention they need on a consistent basis. It can be stressful for a pet when his/her owner leaves to go on vacation or out of town; therefore, boarding them allows for interaction and play time that they might not get by being left at home by themselves… or even just left with someone watching them sporadically.
How do I pick the best boarding facility for my dog?
Not all dog boarding facilities are created equal. While there are some really nice facilities, there are also ones that are not so nice. The best advice we can give is to do your research. Read reviews, and talk to people who have boarded their pets. When you find a facility that you feel confident about, ask them if you can take a tour of the facility. We always encourage our guests to tour our facility and ask any questions that they have prior to leaving their pups with us.
What do I need to do before booking my dog’s stay?
Once you have decided to board your dog, you should book your reservation. Spots can fill up quickly, especially around the holidays and summer vacation. We offer an option to book your reservations online. Also, because your dog will likely be in contact with other pets, it is imperative that you make sure he/she is up-to-date on the Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella vaccines. It is also important to gather any necessary toys and blankets that your dog loves, and be sure to pack them to take with you. Leaving them with their favorite toy will help them feel more comfortable, and it will provide them with a bit of familiarity in the midst of new surroundings.
What should I expect when dropping off my dog?
When coming in to drop off your dog at Pet Palace, we will first greet you, ask you for your name, locate your reservation and then place a temporary collar on your pet. At that time, we will walk you and your dog back to the suite where he/she will be staying. All of their items will then be marked so they do not get lost, and the leash and collar will be removed. Usually, this is the time when you can say goodbye to your pet and let them get familiarized with their surroundings before you head out. Once you are gone, it is encouraged that you check in with us to see how your pet is doing every so often. We even offer a Pet Cam option where you can see your pet through a camera set up in their suite.
We know how nerve-racking it can be when you have to leave your pet behind when going out of town. That is why we make it our mission to deliver the very best care to your pup while you are gone. If you have more questions or you would like more information on dog boarding, contact us here!
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