If you’re traveling for the holidays, chances are you’re going to have to leave your valuable pup behind. Although you may take them along, this doesn’t supply the capability of boarding kennels. Choosing to board your dog for the very first time can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Luckily for you, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about dog boarding requirements.
Dog Boarding Types
Before getting into your dog boarding requirements, let’s discuss the types of boarding facilities.
Modern Boarding Homes. Think of modern boarding homes as a doggy day camp. Unlike more traditional boarding kennels, these include an selection of amenities. A few of them include an area designation for playtime and socialization, grooming, and 24/7 live stream updates for owners.
The principal bonus to modern boarding Healthy Hound homes is that they give a more homey vibe than traditional kennels. However, these kind of facilities are usually more costly with respect to the amenities. Also, the staff at these boarding homes often aren’t in a position to give special medical assistance like animal clinic kennels.
Animal Clinic Boarding Shelters. These kinds of kennels are made available from veterinarian facilities and are most suitable for dogs with special medical needs. Unlike newer kennels, they are old-fashioned and sterile – no live streams, text updates, or doggy spas. Also, animal clinic boarding facilities are more cost-effective than other kennels.
Dog Boarding Requirements
Before you drop your furry pal off at the kennel, there are many things to look after. Here’s what you need to do to be ready for your dog’s boarding stay:
1. Execute a Temperament Assessment
Not absolutely all dogs thrive in a fresh environment, some may also become irritable and turn violent. To guarantee the safety of yourself and your dog handlers, ask the boarding facility for a temperament assessment.
A temperament assessment is a trial set you back see if your dog meshes well with the staff and other dogs. Most of all, it lets you know if the kennel is the right fit.
2. Consider Your Dog’s Needs and Safety
And a temperament assessment, there are other factors to consider:
Sanitation. Proper sanitation prevents disease outbreaks and keeps pets healthy. Learn how often the facility is sanitized. Find out if the air is purified for kennel cough or other airborne illnesses.
Staffing. Consider if you will see staff around 24/7. You intend to ensure that your dog gets night and day care. If your pet has medical needs, is the staff able to administer assistance?
Reviews. When researching boarding facilities, check out their reviews. Is the general consensus positive?
Check-ins. If it’s your first-time boarding your dog, chances are you will want up to when updates. So, consider if the boarding option can supply you with constant updates.
dog boarding requirements
3. Schedule beforehand
If leaving your furry friend at a boarding facility, it’s best to schedule their stay in advance – usually two to three weeks in advance.
Traveling for the holiday season? Make the reservation 2 months in advance.
4. Update Medical Records and Vaccinations
After you’ve scheduled your dog’s boarding stay, the next step should be updating their medical records. State laws and kennel requirements will vary, but it’s best to make certain your pooch is on schedule for the necessary vaccinations.
It’s recommended that vaccinations are administered 10 to 14 days before dropping them off at a kennel – this is, therefore the vaccine has ample the perfect time to take effect. However, if you’re just a little pressed for time, it’s acceptable to have them given at least 48 hours before their stay.
Vaccinations necessary for dogs:
DPP (Distemper, Parvovirus & Parainfluenza
Bordetella
Canine Influenza
Rabies
Leptospirosis
Fleas & Ticks
5. Bring Identification
Identification is just about the most significant dog boarding requirement. Make sure that the info on your dog’s collar and microchip are updated and accurate. You also want to leave your name, your dog’s name, phone number, and address king size beds. It doesn’t hurt to add emergency contacts, too – which brings us to the next crucial dog boarding requirement.
collar
6. Provide More Than Enough Information
In cases like this, there’s no such thing as giving too much information – a lot more you provide, the better.
One of the things you should leave with the boarding place is your dog’s updated medical records. Like earlier mentioned, the kennel will need to have proof that your pet is vaccinated.
For an added degree of assurance, you might provide emergency contact information for those who can’t be reached.
A crisis contact is actually a trusted family member, friend, or your dog’s veterinarian. You can also list a few emergency animal clinics as well – in the case your vet struggles to help.
7. Pack the requirements
You want your pet to produce a smooth transition from their house environment to totally new surroundings. To do this, you might pack things that help ease their stress. Check out this list of what to send with your pet to make them feel at home:
Something FROM YOUR HOME. Pack something that reminds them of you- hint: something with your scent onto it. That is typically a blanket, t-shirt, and or toy. These items aren’t only emotionally soothing but physically comforting too!
Extra Food and Snacks. One more thing you might pack is food. Some kennels offer their own food, however the change in diet may intensify your dog’s stress or cause digestive issues. So, it’s a wise idea to pack their usual food. Make sure to pack extra just in case their boarding stay needs to be extended.
