Leaving Your Dog In A Boarding Facility This Summer? 4 Steps To Prepare For Its Stay
Now that the weather is warming up, and the school year is coming to a close, it's time to start planning the summer vacation. If your dog won't be accompanying you on vacation, you'll need to arrange accommodations for it. If this will be your first time boarding your dog at a kennel, you might not be prepared for the process. Unfortunately, that lack of preparation could leave you facing a few headaches along the way. To avoid problems, here are four steps you should take when you're preparing your dog for its kennel stay.
Book in Advance
During the summer, good dog boarding kennels can fill up fast. The last thing you want to do is wait too long and end up without a place to leave your dog. To avoid that problem, you should book your pet's kennel accommodations as soon as you've solidified your own travel plans. This will ensure that your pet has a safe and secure place to stay while you're traveling this summer.
Know the Check-In/Check-Out Times
When it comes to leaving your pet at a boarding facility, it's important that you know what the check-in/check-out times are. Those times are the equivalent of hotel accommodations. If you check in too early, the room might not be ready. If you check out too late, you might incur additional charges. While you're reserving space for your dog, find out about the check-in/check-out times. To avoid additional charges, you should reserve one extra day for your dog. This will allow time for unforeseen delays that might pop up while you're traveling.
Bring the Shot Records
Your dog will be staying in a facility with other dogs. To protect your dog from diseases, you'll need to make sure that it's up-to-date on its vaccinations. Up-to-date vaccinations will also protect the other dog's that yours will come in contact with. When you check your dog in at the kennel, be sure to bring their shot records with you. This will prevent delays if the facility requires a copy of the records.
Pack the Proper Gear
Your dog is going to be on vacation too, which means it's going to need the proper gear. While you're packing for your dog's kennel stay, make sure you include the essentials, such as a leash, a collar and any medications it might require. If your dog requires prescription medication, make sure you pack enough to last throughout its stay at the kennel. You don't want your dog to run out of medication before you can get back home.