Are you going to be traveling over the holidays? If you’re not going far, then you may be able to leave your pet at home or even take them with you. Plenty of people consider their pets to be part of the family, so it’s only to be expected that Fido may spend the holidays with his human’s relatives. However, if you’re headed far away, your furry pal may be headed to a kennel. In this article from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, you’ll find some helpful tips on getting your pet ready for boarding at our pet resort.
Research The Kennel Carefully
Pet boarding kennels vary quite widely in how they operate. Things like setup, hours, policies, and extras can be quite different from one place to another. You want to make sure that you are leaving your beloved furry friend in trustworthy hands! We can’t overstate how important it is to research a new kennel. Ask friends, families, coworkers, veterinarian and even neighbors for recommendations, check local-specific social media sites, read reviews.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at the facility, and see for yourself where Fido and/or Fluffy will be kept. We’ve addressed this in more detail in other blogs, but in a nutshell you really just want to make sure that it is clean, comfortable, and well-organized.
Talk To The Kennel Staff
You may be able to get a pretty good feel for how the kennel operates simply by talking to the staff a bit. Are they friendly? Do they seem experienced?
You may also want to ask about staff members’ qualifications. There’s plenty of room for entry-level work, which may entail things like cleaning the kennel and giving the pets food and water. However, there should be someone on staff that has more experience.
Confirm What Is Needed
Good kennels tend to be quite strict about their guidelines and requirements, especially when it comes to things like parasite control and vaccinations. You’ll of course want to make sure that your pet is current on any recommended vaccines. For boarding, the general standard would be that pets receive both the core vaccines as well as a few non-core vaccines, such as Bordetella and Parvo vaccines. Some of these must be given within a specific time frame, so pay attention to that as well.
Find Out About Exercise
Our canine companions need to stay active to be happy and healthy, just as we do. They also all have very unique and specific activity needs. What works for one pooch may not be suitable for another. For instance, running and swimming may make perfect pup workouts for a plucky Golden Retriever, but brachycephalic dogs, like pugs, should never be encouraged to run or swim.
Find out what options are available. If you have a very active dog, you may need to order additional walks or play sessions. This applies to kitties, too. A frisky kitten may benefit from extra playtime, while a sleepy senior is probably more interested in naps.
Find Out About Socialization
Dogs are, in general, very sociable animals. After all, Fido is more or less wired to function as part of a pack. Each pooch is unique, though, and some definitely are friendlier than others.
It’s great for a dog to have their own run, but your pup may get lonely if he is in his kennel the entire time. On the other hand, some dogs are very anxious and fearful of other dogs, and may be miserable in a group playdate.
Look Into Situational Management
One thing that is very important is to find out how the dogs are managed when they play together. This is definitely something to take seriously. You don’t want to have a situation where there is just one person supervising two dozen dogs. That could become quite dangerous if a scuffle were to break out! Ask how the dogs are supervised, and how issues such as roughhousing and bullying are addressed.
As far as playtime, you’ll want to figure out what the best option is for your pet as well. Doggie daycare can be a great choice for a friendly, social pooch that loves to play with his buddies. A more timid pup may do better with extra one-on-one playtime.
Ask About Emergencies
We don’t usually have to worry about snow here in Rialto, though you may remember that rare snowfall we got last March. However, if you are in an area where snow is a possibility, you’d want to find out what happens if a blizzard comes through.
Inclement weather isn’t the only thing that could happen. Fires, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters are anything but uncommon. Find out what the kennel’s emergency procedures are.
You may also want to find out what happens if the weather or emergency happens on your end and you are delayed coming home. A decent pet hotel would have a sound plan in place for those emergencies.
Find Out How Dogs Are Grouped
Decent kennels will divide their furry wards up into groups according to their sizes, ages, and temperaments. If the kennel doesn’t separate small and large dogs, you may want to look elsewhere, as that can create a very dangerous situation.
Give Doggie Daycare A Try
Does your canine pal stay home while you go off to work to pay for his toys, treats, and food? You may want to consider sending Fido to daycare. Your pooch doesn’t necessarily need to come in every day. This is just a good way to brighten your pup’s day a bit. He’ll spend his time running and playing with his buddies, and burning off all of those zoomies. By the time you pick him up, he’ll probably be ready for cuddles. Plus, if you’re going to a new dog boarding kennel, this gives you and Fido a chance to get a feel for the place and to get used to it.
Confirm A Backup Contact
Kennels usually request that people provide emergency contacts, in case something happens and you cannot be reached. This is something to think over, and something to discuss with the person you would like to have as backup. Keep in mind that they may also have holiday plans, and may not be available.
Pack Carefully
You’ll want to put a bag together for your furry buddy. Find out what you can and cannot bring with you. Some provide toys and bedding: others prefer you to bring your own. You’ll want to include a few comfort items from home.
Of course, just because you’re headed home for the holidays doesn’t necessarily mean that Santa Claws isn’t coming to town. Go ahead and get a gift for your pet, and ask the Rialto, CA dog boarding kennel staff to give it to your furry pal on Christmas Day or Eve.
Consider Grooming
It’s always cute seeing how happy dogs are when their humans come to pick them up. Why not add some beauty services? You’ll be able to snuggle with a clean, fresh-smelling pup when you get back!
Schedule Boarding At Our Rialto, CA Pet Resort
Do you need to find a great place for your pet to stay over the holidays? Are you looking for a kennel that provides great care in a clean, controlled environment? Contact us here at Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA!
