By Leo Eva
A dog boarding facility is designed to house our furry friends for a specific period of time. These facilities usually have a large space for pets to stay in and ensure they are happy and comfortable. During their stay, the dogs are cared for by the staff and are provided with services and access to amenities, such as soft bedding, outdoor playtime, and interaction with boarding staff and other pets.
Like most pet owners, you want what’s best for your furry friend. So, if you plan on traveling any time soon, you might be considering a pet boarding service to ensure your pup is cared for. With so many options available, however, it can be a daunting choice to make. To help you make the right choice, we have gathered some tips to help you find the right pet boarding facility for your four-legged companion.
Consider the location and cost.
When researching different pet boarding options for your furry companion, the most basic factors you need to consider are the cost and the location. Different facilities charge various rates depending on factors like the type of amenities they provide and what kind of services they offer. Although quality is key, your budget also plays a role in your decision.
Hence, ask about the daily or nightly rates and what the inclusions are for the prices. It is also important to know what methods of payment they expect and what their cancellation policy is. Some facilities will charge a penalty for late cancellations and additional fees if you pick up your pooch later than the agreed time or date.
Additionally, you also need to consider the location. If you plan on visiting loved ones in a different city or town and wish to bring your pup but can’t find a hotel that accommodates pets, a pet boarding facility that is located nearby is your next best option. If you plan on leaving your pet in your hometown, it may be best to find one that’s near your home or one that’s near the airport, depending on your schedule or preferences.
Schedule a tour of the facility.
The best way to assess a pet boarding facility’s capacity is to schedule a tour and visit the facility firsthand. Taking the time to visit the different options on your list is a great way to determine if the facility can accommodate your pet’s needs and take care of your pooch while you are away.
During each visit, pay attention to the environment. Ideally, the facility should have secure and open spaces, feeding rooms, and an overall clean, organized space. Also, pay attention to the staff and how they interact with the pets currently onboard. Take everything you see into account, so you can make an informed decision regarding your pet’s care.
Inquire about the services and amenities offered.
Dog boarding facilities offer several types of services and amenities for pets. Some facilities will offer special services, such as grooming services and training classes. You may also ask the boarding staff to describe the daily routine of the dogs in their care. Ideally, they should have numerous opportunities throughout the day to socialize, exercise, and burn off excess energy.
This is especially true if you are looking for Kelpie pups for sale, as they are working dogs and require daily exercise of at least two to three hours each day. Hence, finding the right boarding service is just as important as learning as much as possible about your particular breed to ensure your pup’s needs are met.
Determine access to veterinary services.
Another factor you need to consider is access to quality veterinary services. Does the pet boarding facility have a veterinarian on call or on duty at the facility? A well-established and professional dog boarding facility will have an excellent working relationship with local veterinarians that they trust and can contact in case of illness or emergencies.
This is especially critical if your pup has a special condition or if you have a senior dog with special needs. Knowing the pet boarding facility you have chosen has access to a quality veterinary service will give you peace of mind while you go on vacation or travel for business.
Ask about the facility’s health and safety regulations.
In line with having access to veterinary services, it is equally important that the dog boarding facility has health and safety regulations in place. Having healthy and sick animals together is unsafe, as it can lead to disease. Hence, always ask the facility about their health programs, how they manage sick dogs, and what their protocol is when a dog under their care gets sick.
If your pup is on medication, inform the boarding staff and find out if they are willing and able to take care of your pet’s special needs. Of course, the best option for your furry friend is a facility that can look after their health to ensure overall wellness.
Assess the facility’s level of customer support.
Throughout your visits and multiple inquiries to different pet boarding facilities, assess their level of customer support. An experienced and reputable pet boarding service provider will have a well-trained staff that can accommodate your needs and provide excellent customer service. A key factor is their responsiveness to your queries, especially when you have already boarded your pup and have a concern.
To test their responsiveness, check that they have all their contact information on their website or social media pages. Send them a message online and wait to see how long it takes them to respond. This will give you an idea if they take their customers seriously and are able to handle queries in a friendly and accommodating manner.
Summary:
These are a few tips to help you find the right pet boarding service for your pup. By keeping these tips in mind, you will find a reliable dog boarding facility to make sure your furry friend is happy, healthy, calm and comfortable while you are away.
