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Pet Insurance

Pet and Holidays

How to choose a Boarding Kennel

If you need to leave home for a period of time, a boarding kennel/cattery can give your pet the care it needs and you a certain peace of mind. Before loading your pet into your car and driving to the nearest establishment, it is important to find the right environment and prepare your pet for boarding.

Kennels/Catteries - What are the benefits and the associated problems?

Your pet depends on you to take good care of it, which certainly does not change when you decide to leave town. Friends and neighbours may well not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet, particularly if you are away for a sustained period of time. If this is the case then it is probably best top leave your pets well-being to a professional, such as a pet sitter or boarding kennel/cattery.

An environment such as this will be beneficial to your pet as:

• It avoids the stress of a long car or airplane ride to your destination (if it is even possible to take your pet away).
• Allow them to stay where they are welcome (unlike many hotels).
• Provide a higher level of attention and supervision than would be available if left home alone.
• Be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems.
• Be secure, giving you peace of mind that your pet is in a safe environment whilst you are away.

Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel/cattery can include:

• The stress that can be connected to staying in an environment that is unfamiliar.
• The potential health issues in being in an environment close to other pets.
• The stress caused to your pet during the drive over to the establishment.

How can I find a decent kennel/cattery?

Asking friends and family may be a good start, however your Vet or local animal shelter should be able to provide you with a list of locally recommended venues. You can also look in the Yellow Pages.

This is not where your quest should end, once you have the names it will give you greater peace of mind to do a little checking of your own.

Confirm that the kennel/cattery has space to be able to accommodate your pet for the specific dates of your trip and relay any special needs that your pet may have (if any). If you are satisfied then you may wish to schedule a visit to see where your pet will be staying with your own eyes.

What should you be looking for?

On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken. You should also consider the following:

• Does it look and smell clean?
• Is there sufficient ventilation for your pet and enough light?
• Is a comfortable temperature maintained?
• Do the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
• Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations.
• Does each pet have his own adequately sized indoor-outdoor run or an indoor run and a schedule for exercise?
• Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind, rain, and snow?
• Is bedding provided to allow dogs or cats to rest off the concrete floor?
• Are cats housed away from dogs?
• Is there enough space for cats to move around comfortably?
• Is there enough space between the litter box and food bowls?
• How often are pets fed?
• Can the owner bring a pet's special food?
• What veterinary services are available?

Prior to leaving for the kennel/cattery you should do your utmost to make sure your pet knows basic commands and is well socialised around other people and pets. Make sure that you are up to date with any required vaccinations.

It may be advisable to build the length of stay up for your pet, getting them used to longer stays by first boarding them during a short trip, such as a weekend away. This will allow you to work out any problems that may ensue from boarding your pet for a longer holiday.

Before you head for the kennel/cattery, check that you have your pet's medications and special food (if any), your veterinarian's phone number, and contact information for you and a family member/friend.

On arrival remind the staff about any medical or behaviour problems that your pet may have, even something as mundane as fear of thunder. Avoid extended, emotional partings, which are likely to upset your pet.