There’s always going to be a lot of things on your to-do list when you’re preparing to go away. For many of you, that list is also going to include getting your animal companion ready to board. It’s important to make sure that everything is in order: otherwise, you could find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Read on for a great to-do checklist from Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA.
Choose A Great Kennel
This part is really half the battle: a good kennel will guide you through the rest of the steps on this list. It will also offer you peace of mind, as you’ll be able to focus on your trip without worrying about how your pet is doing.
Here are a few earmarks of a good kennel:
- Requires proof of vaccination and parasite control.
- Has a plan or protocol in place for emergencies.
- Has clear, set procedures that help things go smoothly.
- Keep all of their kennels, runs, and play areas clean and sanitized.
- Utilize climate control to keep kennels at comfortable temperatures.
- Walk dogs regularly
- Have experienced, qualified staff to help care for pets.
- Maintains a safe ratio of staff to pets.
- Transparent about fees.
- Clear about policies and guidelines.
- Screens pets before accepting them.
- Offers a positive customer service experience.
Reading reviews can be very helpful here. You may also want to ask friends or family members for suggestions. There is a lot to be said for word of mouth!
Make Your Boarding Reservation
First and foremost? Make arrangements for your pet to stay at a great pet boarding kennel. Depending on the time of year you will be traveling, you may need to book your furry pal’s spot well in advance. Things tend to get very busy around the winter holidays, so if you are flying home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible.
When making that reservation, take a look at the perks and options the kennel offers. Small touches can go a long way. That may mean things like extra playtime, treats, or doggy daycare. Many of our canine guests love meeting and playing with new buddies.
Prepare Your Pet’s Documentation
This is something you should be able to get done a bit in advance of your trip. Your pet boarding kennel is going to require some paperwork. Most kennels will request documentation that proves your furry pal is up to date on their key vaccines. That would include the Core vaccines.
The AAHA recommends the following:
Dogs:
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parvovirus
- +/-Parainfluenza
- Leptospira
- Rabies
Cats:
- FHV-1
- FCV
- FPV
- Rabies
- FeLV
Kennels also often require a few non-core vaccines. Bordetella can help protect pets from kennel cough, which the canine influenza vaccine can protect Fido from the doggy flu.
If you keep up with your pet’s veterinary care, your furry pal may be all set. However, this isn’t something you want any miscommunications on.
Vaccine and parasite control papers aren’t the only documentation you need to check. In addition to this paperwork, you may also need to fill out forms about your pet’s medical history, personality, and/or other details that the staff at the kennel should know. Pay close attention to these forms. You may in some cases need to choose or clarify your preferences on certain things.
Visit Your Rialto, CA Veterinarian
If your pet is healthy and has been to visit their pet clinic facility recently, you may not need to do this. However, if your pet is due or overdue, it’s best to make an appointment a few weeks before your trip. This will not only help you ensure that your furry buddy is up to date on any necessary vaccines or parasite control, but also to screen for any developing issues.
Schedule A Trial Run
We always recommend that you find a great kennel and stick with it. This will make things much easier for you in the future. It’s also going to be easier on your pet. If your furry friend is already familiar with their home away from home, they will just start to think of it as somewhere they stay sometimes.
A trial run is also good because it will give you a pretty good idea of how the kennel operates, and how drop-offs and pickups will look. (Tip: don’t spend time on long goodbyes: that will ultimately only make things harder. Keep drop-offs short and sweet. You’ll have time to cuddle with your pet when you get back.)
Pack For Your Pet
You probably don’t need to worry about including sunglasses or a formal outfit when it comes to packing for your pet. You will need to provide basic supplies, such as food, comfort items, supplements, and medication that your pet needs.
Every kennel is a bit different when it comes to what you can and cannot pack for your pet. If possible, try to bring a comfort item for your pet. This could be something like a blanket or toy, or maybe a tee shirt you slept in. Having a few things that remind them of home can make boarding both easier and more comfortable for your pet. Remember, you are the center of your furry buddy’s world. Anything that reminds them of you is going to soothe and comfort them.
Talk To Your Emergency Contact
Kennels typically will ask for a backup contact, someone they can reach out to if something were to happen and you couldn’t be reached. It’s quite easy to just jot down a name: your best friend, your brother, your significant other. However, keep in mind that this can entail a lot more than fielding a phone call and answering a simple question. There’s a lot of responsibility involved here. Your backup could be tasked with making major medical decisions about your furry friend, including decisions about surgery or euthanasia. While that sort of situation is rare, and would definitely fall into the more extreme possibilities, it could happen.
Have a conversation with your backup. You’d want to make sure that they understand and would follow your wishes. It’s also a good idea for them to add kennel phone numbers to their contact lists. That way, if something happens and the kennel tries to reach out, they’ll know it isn’t yet another scam call.
Finally, go ahead and enjoy your trip. You can rest assured, knowing that your pet is safe in our hands, and will be cared for with love and kindness until you return from your trip.
Conclusion: Before boarding your pet, it’s important to have everything they will need ready for them. Your furry pal will need to be current on their vaccines and parasite control. You’ll also need to know what you can and cannot pack for them.
Make A Pet Boarding Reservation At Our Rialto, CA Pet Boarding Kennel
Are you looking for a great pet hotel in the area? Please reach out to us for all of your pet’s care needs. Contact us here at Valley Pet Hotel, your Rialto, CA pet kennel, also serving Bloomington, CA, anytime. We provide great care for your furry bestie!
