7 Tips to Keep Your Dogs Happy During A Boarding Stay

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7 Tips to Keep Your Dogs Happy During A Boarding Stay

Do you have to head out of town for a couple of days? Whether it’s for a business meeting, you’re going on vacation, or simply need to get away for a day or two. Whatever the reason, your dog(s) need a place to stay while you’re gone. If you can’t find a family friend or relatives to take care of your beloved, a boarding stay may be just what you need. Here are 7 tips for keeping your dogs happy.

1. Food

Dog boarding facilities will ask you to bring your dog’s food. Even if they have their own food that they feed, be wary. Your dog will react differently to food than it’s used to and may stop eating altogether. Bring pre-measured meals of the food they regularly eat daily in sealed bags for each meal of each day your dog will stay at the facility.

2. Vaccination

Most facilities will give you a list of specific vaccinations your dog must have in order to stay overnight. Follow this list to a T for the health of your dog. It is also wise to get a vaccination for kennel cough, a common illness that happens when pets are kept in close quarters with other dogs. Do so at least a month before your planned departure.

3. Illness

Boarding facilities are fantastic about monitoring the habits of their boarders. Most are diligent about noticing appetite and water intake. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, they will take note of it and try to treat it. Find out where they take dogs that are sick and what precautions they take to heal pets and treat illnesses. (Bonus points if the facility is part of a veterinary clinic.)

4. Medicine

Does your dog take any form of medication? Write down the schedule, the dosage and the dog’s name on a piece of paper. Boarding facilities are strict about following medicine schedules. However, they need to know what it is your dog takes and when and at what dosage in order for your pet to stay healthy.

5. Overnights

Are you leaving for more than a few days? It’s common for us, as owners, to leave pets in boarding for a week or more. This is why it is crucial to get them used to a facility. Before you leave, let him/her stay in the boarding/kennel for a night to become familiar with the temporary “hotel”. Dog boarding with Wag Hotels provides a stress-free environment for your pet.

6. Exercise

If your dog is used to exercise, look for dog boarding facilities that walk your dogs 4-5 times a day. There are some facilities that, sadly, take guests out twice a day for two or three minutes. Look for places that have a fenced-in area they can roam and learn how to exercise your dog so that your pooch is happy and well played with.

7. Documents

Bring all documents. Please do not forget to bring documents that the facility specifically asks you for. These will most likely be:

  • Vaccination records
  • Medical records
  • Acknowledgment forms (for rules)

Call the facility to see if there are any documents you must bring in.

Conclusion

Accidents may happen. Before leaving your dog, ensure that the facility has an emergency contact number. Make sure your contact is aware of the situation, and to expect a call from the facility when something is wrong with your dog. While nothing may happen to your dog, it is always better to be safe than sorry while you’re gone. This emergency contact will make all emergency medical decisions on your behalf while you are gone, so choose wisely.

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