Usually, you plan a vacation so you can get some time to unwind and relax. As a pet owner, however, it can be hard to relax when you are worried about your four-legged friends back home. If you want to decrease separation anxiety for you and your pet, plan to make sure the vacation goes smoothly for both of you.
Choosing a Kennel
It's great if you have a friend or family member to sit for your cat or dog while you're away, but for many pet owners, this is just not an option. If that's the case, start looking for a good kennel well in advance of your trip—especially if you're traveling during peak travel seasons.
Word of mouth is the best way to find a good quality boarding facility. Ask your veterinarian or pet groomer for a recommendation, or ask friends with pets where they board their dogs and cats.
You'll want to do some research to make sure the facility doesn't have a history of animal fights, injuries, or runaways. You'll also want to make sure there is no history of disease outbreaks from the facility.
Check Out the Boarding Facility First
You don't want to drive up to drop off your pet—a plane ticket in your pocket and the clock ticking—only to find the facility is just not up to your standards. Visit ahead of time to make sure that the place is clean, well-ventilated, and comfortable, and that the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Take the opportunity to address concerns and ask questions so that you'll feel confident in your choice.
Questions to Ask
- What kind of kennel will my pet be boarded in?
- How many staff members are available each day?
- How often will staff members play with my pets?
- What kind of exercise will pets receive?
- What are their daily hygiene practices?
- How do they handle medication or health care needs?
- What types of vaccinations, preventative treatments, or healthcare certificates from a vet do they require?
Visit the Vet
It's a good idea to take your pet for a little check-up before traveling. That way, your veterinarian can make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on shots and medications. If your pet suffers from separation anxiety when you're gone, or is stressed out in new places, ask your pet for suggestions to make the trip as comfortable and calm as possible.
Proper Packing
Before dropping your pet off at the boarding facility, make sure his travel bag is packed and you're not forgetting anything. Items you should pack include:
- Your pet's normal food
- Medications, including flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication
- A toy, blanket, pillow, etc. from home so that your pet will feel comforted when you're gone
- A list of emergency contacts and instructions for emergencies
- A list of special instructions for your pet's needs
- A short bio telling the facility about your pet's normal personality and behaviors
up-to-date medical records
Also, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag, and, ideally, have your pet microchipped. A good facility will probably not let your pet escape, but in the case of an emergency, it is best to be prepared.
Reunited At Last
When you get home from your trip, you may want to rush to the boarding facility to scoop your pet up into your arms. Try not to rush—give yourself time to get home and get things in reasonable order before you go get your pet. This will allow you to focus on your pet as you take him back home.
Talk to the staff at the boarding facility to find out how your pet has been doing. Ask if any issues or concerns about your pet's health may have come up while you were gone.
Once you take your furry friend back home, plan to spend a little time with him. Your pet will have missed you, and the experience may have been traumatic for him so give him extra cuddles and lots of reassurance.
One thing you shouldn't do immediately gives your pet food (including treats) or water. While you may be tempted, too much excitement mixed with food can upset your pet's stomach. This can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Wait about four hours before re-introducing food and water; by then your pet will have settled down.
If you're worried about boarding your pet or are looking for advice, we can help. We here at The Animal Doctors have been taking care of pets and their people for 40 years. We can make sure both you and your pet are ready so you both have a nice holiday.
Our areas of coverage include San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
