Are you planning a summer vacation? Have you thought about your pet's vacation? Now is the time to think about both.
Now is the time to start planning for your pet's care while you are on vacation. Do I get a house sitter, do I leave them at my Vet, or do I take them to a boarding kennel. Here are some things to consider.
With a house sitter, are you sure that person will be there to make sure they are let out to take care of business several times a day? Will they be kept on a normal feeding schedule? Is the house sitter use to caring for a pet? Can you really trust this person to leave your personal belongings alone.
At a Vet's office, there is a real good chance the people caring for your pet, know what they are doing, but how big will the pets kennel be? How much exercise will they really get? A Vet's office is good place for a really sick pet, but a basically healthy pet needs more exercise.
What about a boarding kennel? A good kennel is the safest place for your dog in your absence. If this is your choice, start planning now, because good kennels are high demand, summertime and holidays also fill up early. A good kennel will start their 4th of July waiting list by mid May. They will also be booked for all weekends during the summer months 3 weeks in advance. Plan in advance and get the best possible vacation spot for your pet.
If this is your choice, you need to do a little research, because there are good kennels, and there are some not so good kennels. Start by asking your veterinarian for a referral, they know good ones and the bad ones, based on their customers comments. Ask a co-worker who is always talking about their wonder dog, they are probably pretty picky about who they would leave there 4 legged family member in the care of.
Take some time to go out and visit any boarding kennel you are considering using. Some other questions to ask: Is the kennel licensed by Snohomish County? That does not mean much, but it start. Will your pet have their own kennel or is it open boarding environment, most pets prefer to at least some time in their own den. Worrying if another dog is going to eat their food, or sleep on their bed can add to the stress of not being with mom or dad.
How often will your pet get to stretch their legs, take care of business, and just get in some good sniff time? Does that cost more? Can your bring your pets bedding? The scent of home will help keep them relaxed. Can you provide your pets food? Does that cost more? Keeping most pets on their own diet will help keep their stomach settled, and is one more thing that smells like home to keep them a little more relaxed. Can your dog have a favorite toy of theirs? Some dogs become toy possessive and some kennel do not let you bring any toys, while other kennels know how to handle dogs. And finally, is there someone on site 24/7 in case something does go wrong?
Plan early so when the time comes, you can go on vacation and relax knowing your dog or cat is in good hands.