Boarding Tips ph: (02) 44 762 430

The following are a few thoughts on what pet owners should be considering before boarding their pet.

Tips on Boarding Your Dog

Happily more and more responsible pet owners are choosing to board their pets at professional boarding kennels rather than choosing the alternatives, which often prove to be both costly and disasterous.

Do become aware of the problems that can be caused by other methods of trying to provide pet care.

The problem of another person caring for your pet while you are away, for example, is that they may inadvertently leave the front door open for just a second, just long enough for "Rover" to dash out to look for his owner ... and never come back.

Or, who isn't trained or experienced enough to recognise the symptoms of illness in dogs, and allows a minor problem to develop into a major crisis before they realise that a vet should be called.

The most costly result of leaving your pet at home alone is that he might get the idea that his owner has played a trick on him by leaving without him, so the normally good natured dog proceeds to tear the place apart!

When deciding where to board your dog, visit the kennel, talk to the owner, inspect the premises (if they won't allow you to inspect, there is something to hide!). Ask questions – are toys and bedding welcome? what food do they get? who are the vets? what are the hours? can friends visit your pet? do the dogs get playtime and exercise?

The fee for boarding your dog not only includes the care of your pet and food, but also the peace of mind knowing that your pet is with someone you can trust.

• Before boarding your dog, make sure that all vaccinations are current (C4 or C5).
• Your pet should not have been exposed to any contagious diseases.
• It is best not to feed your dog about 4 hours before arrival at the kennel.
• Be sure to inform the kennel owner of any idiosyncracies your dog may have (eg fear of thunder), and any medical problems.

Dogs are very adaptable, but some will show signs of separation anxiety to begin with. Good kennels encourage the owners to place their dog into the kennel/run themselves, with the help of the carer, but long farewells are definitely not a good idea! It is also advisable to avoid getting out the suitcases at home the day before the trip!

Sometimes temporary behaviour changes can occur as a result of unfamiliar surroundings. Dogs tear up beds that they have slept in for years. Their eating habits can change.

When you pick up your dog from the kennel, he will be very excited to see you. He may jump up on you when he doesn't normally do so. Dogs do not have a sense of time, so there is no difference between 2 days and 2 weeks. It's best not to feed your dog for a few hours after you get home with him. Sometimes he will just want to sleep to get over the excitement of being in the kennels and then being at home again.

It can be a good idea to board your dog for just 2 or 3 days, if it's the very first time, so that he is familiar with the environment of the kennels, and with the temporary separation. That way he will happier to have a longer stay next time.

Boarding your dog should be a pleasant partnership between you and the kennel owner!

• top

Tips for Cat Boarding

Cats react much differently to dogs in a strange environment. Cats are instinctively solitary animals, so when confronted with new surroundings, a cat's normal response is to withdraw physically and mentally. For this reason, cats enjoy the "protected" feeling they get from being housed in a cosy pen. Cats will just sit and stare, taking it all in, until they feel comfortable in their new environment. Once they feel acclimatised, they will relax, stretch, and even "mark" their new territory. But they have to do this at their own rate – some will obviously take longer than others.

Some cats will prefer to remain in their own pen during the length of their stay, others will prefer to get out and about and explore in an exercise garden.

When checking for a suitable cattery for your cat, comfort and security are both vitally important.

In general, cats do not enjoy travel. They enjoy even less travelling in a cat carrier. However, a cat carrier is essential for safe travel. Your cat often will be quite stressed upon arrival at the cattery, but a good cattery operator will know how best to help your cat relax and acclimatise.

Similarly, when you arrive at home with your cat again after his stay at the cattery, the travelling will have upset him. It might take a little while for him to settle down again at home. It's best to leave him indoors for the first couple of days.

• top